The statistics and experts concur; Manly's chances of challenging for this year's NRL premiership have all but evaporated with the loss of explosive fullback Brett Stewart.

Stewart learnt on Tuesday night that his 2010 campaign is as good as over. A left knee injury suffered in the Sea Eagles' loss to Wests Tigers will keep him out for five months with surgery required.

Stewart missed from round five to round 25 last season with an identical injury to his right leg.

Fox Sports Stats reveal that Manly with Stewart are a 20 per cent better side than they are with him sitting on the sidelines.

Since his first full season in first grade in 2004, when Stewart managed 17 matches, Manly have won 73 of 117 contests with Stewart in the line-up.

Without him, Des Hasler's men have won just 16 and lost 22.

“It's usually the loss of a quality pivot player like your Darren Lockyers and Andrew Johns that result in a side's win-loss record sliding but Stewart is such a special player he has a similar effect. ” –Stuart Raper Fox Sports NRL expert

Former Cronulla coach and Fox Sports rugby league expert Stuart Raper tipped the Sea Eagles to struggle without Stewart.

"It's a big blow. The stats show just how good and important player he is to Manly," Raper told foxsports.com.au.

"It's usually the loss of a quality pivot player like your Darren Lockyers and Andrew Johns that result in a side's win-loss record sliding but Stewart is such a special player he has a similar effect.

"He is a key to their chances and their attack will feel the pinch without him.

"No disrespect to Michael Robinson, who has covered admirably, but there are only a few in the game capable of pulling off that miracle try and Stewart is one of them.

"There's (Greg) Inglis, (Billy) Slater, (Jarrad) Hayne, (Israel) Folau and Stewart who can turn that half chance into a try. He is that good.

"Missing those tries can be the difference between winning or losing a game and Manly know that."

Stewart, the face of the game a year ago, has endured a traumatic 12 months.

The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges charges that he sexually and indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl on March 6 in 2009 outside a block of townhouses in North Manly where he lived.

Raper said the latest injury setback would be tough for Stewart and the club to deal with.

"When a player has troubles off the field then getting back on the field and playing footy is a way to get things back on track and focus," Raper said.

"It's (the injury) not only a shocking thing for the player but the club.

"The other players are going to be feeling it now as well. He's the favourite son down there so the whole club is going to be disappointed for him."

0 Replies, start dicussing now