THERE is no doubt Brett Stewart is approaching his best, on and off the field.

At Tuesday morning’s Sea Eagles media session, the prince of Brookvale was eager to thank Manly fans for their unwavering support the past two years. He also reminded the press of his entertaining and quick wit.

When asked what the response has been towards him from people in the community, like at the local petrol station as he fills up his tank, Stewart said:

“It’s been expensive, I think it’s $1.50 (per litre).

“No, it’s been good around the Manly area, the whole maroon and whites have got behind me. The support has been phenomenal actually from the supporters and the club, I can’t thank them enough.

“They never doubted me once. The club has taken a lot of fan mail that I’ve read personally. The only way to thank them is to go out and be part of a winning side on Sunday.”

On Sunday, Sea Eagles fans will back Stewart all the way when the former NSW and Australian No.1 makes his return to Brookvale Oval in Manly’s round three NRL clash against Newcastle.

It will be the 26-year-old’s first outing at home since Manly’s semi-final against the Titans on September 5, 2009.

Of course, so much has gone against Stewart since then, but times have now changed.

“It’s going to be an emotional day,” he said.

“I always like playing at Brookie, I’ve scored more tries there than anywhere else.

“I’ve played two games and haven’t got over yet, I can’t seem to get over that hurdle, 98 tries. “One or two would be nice.”

A double would be just great.

Stewart said his speed is not an issue, despite having had two separate knee operations over the past two seasons.

“I’m pretty happy with where my pace is at, I’ve worked pretty hard on that in the last six weeks with Clayton Kearney (Sea Eagles sprint coach),” he added.

“I’m pretty confident with my speed at the moment,” Stewart said.

“My first two games I’ve been a bit hesitant, a couple of times when I made breaks on the weekend I had in the back of my mind the Lote Tuqiri thing (tackle which ended his 2010 season in round one). I’ve got through these games and just taking it one game at a time and looking to do the same this weekend.”

In front of a packed Brookvale crowd, eager to see their man do what he does best.

“He is one of the crowd favourites, they will come to watch him play, and so they should,” coach Des Hasler, Stewart’s “rock”, said. “He’s a very special player to the fans and the club.”

http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/the-prince-of-brookie/

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