Statistics compiled by League Information Services reveal Manly, who missed the service of the prolific try-scorer in all but five games of last season primarily due to a serious injury to his right knee, inevitably struggle in his absence.

Since emerging as Manly's regular fullback in round nine of 2004 the Sea Eagles have won 73 of 116 games, including a premiership, when Stewart is on the field. On the 32 occasions he was not present they won only 15 times.

''We're hoping for a minimum of six weeks,'' Manly coach Des Hasler said of the prognosis on Stewart. His knee injury has already thrown the Sea Eagles' season into disarray.

The 25-year-old is not the only one facing a protracted stint on the sideline, with fellow representative back David Williams out until at least May with a shoulder injury incurred on the eve of Monday's game.

''He's out for six to 10 weeks,'' Hasler said. ''He popped a shoulder at training on Sunday.''

Hasler was forced to reshuffle his back line for Manly's visit to Parramatta on Sunday, with winger Michael Robertson named at fullback. Tony Williams moves from centre to the wing, while Chris Bailey switches from second row to centre.