Manly coach Des Hasler admits it will be hard to ignore the prospects of William Hopoate, son of John, during Brett Stewart's absence.

While Hasler said he would baulk at playing Hopoate, the Toyota Cup fullback, this Sunday against Parramatta, he conceded that he would consider playing the 17-year-old son of the former Sea Eagles winger at some stage during the five months Stewart is out. Hasler suggested either Michael Robertson or Ben Farrar would get first crack at the No.1 jumper.

''Farrar and Robertson have the edge in experience over Will - that's not to say at some stage during the year that Will won't get a shot at it,'' Hasler said. ''He'll be more than ready to take that chance.''

Robertson replaced Stewart during his absences last season, and was named by Hasler to play the Eels, with Tony Williams moving to the wing.

Nonetheless, there appears to be some irresistible excitement brewing around the young Hoppa. ''He's a great prospect, he's got a big future, and he's a great kid,'' Manly captain Jamie Lyon said.