The star fullback was ruled out of the Four Nations tour with a knee problem and Manly will need him ready to go for their NRL title defence in 2012.
Coach Geoff Toovey said he's pleased with how Stewart is progressing through the pre-season and certainly hasn't ruled him out of the WCC.
But given his knee is only just starting to stabilise after a horror run of injuries, it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface unless coaching staff are confident the 26-year-old is 100 per cent fit.
"Brett's much further ahead than he was this time last year obviously. He's fighting fit and he's in a pretty good place at the moment so we're expecting a pretty big year from him,'' said Toovey.
The newly-appointed coach, who this week welcomed former team-mate Cliff Lyons onto his staff at Manly, said winger David Williams was his main concern after the serious neck injury he suffered last season.
"I don't know if he'll be right yet, but he should be right for the first game (of the season proper) I believe,'' Toovey said.
King was the hard-luck story from the Sea Eagles premiership triumph after a pectoral injury in the lead-up to the finals cost him the chance to lift the trophy with Jamie Lyon.
The NSW front-rower said he's set the WCC as his comeback date.
"Absolutely I'm on track personally to play in that game,'' he said.
"I don't have to see the surgeon again so just see how it responds over the next month or so and start to amp it up a little bit.
"I'm really keen to get over there that's for sure.''
Toovey said he would be silly to significantly change the winning formula implemented by former coach Des Hasler and isn't motivated by putting his own stamp on the club.
The 42-year-old said Lyons, his former halves partner at Manly, will ease into his role as NSW Cup coach and there are no immediate plans to have him running water and messages for the NRL team.
"Obviously Cliffy has just accepted the role we offered him in the last couple of days so he'll have enough on his hands at this stage ... but down the track maybe something will eventuate,'' said Toovey.
"When Cliff was playing at the club he had that winning culture about him.''
Young centre-winger Dean Whare is pushing hard for one of the positions in the outside backs vacated by Michael Robertson and Will Hopoate.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/manly-sea-eagles-fullback-brett-stewart-no-certainty-to-face-leeds-in-world-club-challenge/story-e6frexnr-1226228754951
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| The Eagle said the following on Thu Dec 22 19:22 2011 |
Runs with water |
| the mauler said the following on Thu Dec 22 20:33 2011 |
I'd definately be leaving Snake at home. No need to risk him, I'd rather have him fully fit for season opener. |
| Moondog said the following on Thu Dec 22 21:07 2011 |
Quote From: 'the mauler'
I'd definately be leaving Snake at home. No need to risk him, I'd rather have him fully fit for season opener.
Ditto. Want him at as close to 100% as possible.
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| HappilyManly said the following on Fri Dec 23 6:09 2011 |
Farrer can fill in and Brett can strengthen his wonky knees.
A bit worrying to read that Wolfy is concerning Toovs . Lets hope that Don Singe can work his magic:angel: |
| Mals said the following on Fri Dec 23 6:59 2011 |
Hope Kingy plays in the WCC, he'll be so amped! Can't wait to see his 1st carry & i pity the player he hits 1st in defence! He'll snap the bloke in half! :-D |
| SeaEagleRock8 said the following on Fri Dec 23 8:55 2011 |
Leaving Snake behind will also be a good opportunity to see how his back-up will fit in. I guess that would be Farrar.
As for Wolfman, it sounded pretty positive to me that Toovey expects him to be right for Round 1. I'm amazed he will be able to continue to continue his career at all, so that news sounds quite heartening to me.
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| Masked Eagle said the following on Fri Dec 23 9:28 2011 |
No need to risk anyone so early in the season. Although I read it as precautionary for Snake as opposed to a setback. |
| The Who said the following on Fri Dec 23 11:00 2011 |
The story read: ... it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface ...
Is there such a thing as a hard surface in England?
|
| The Eagle said the following on Fri Dec 23 12:28 2011 |
I'd rather put Oldfield at fullback than Farrar,
Olds
Whare
Farrar
Would be my back 3 for that game |
| Wolfpack said the following on Fri Dec 23 13:09 2011 |
Well that is balls. Hope Snake is ready in time, would hate to lose this one. |
| Stevo said the following on Fri Dec 23 13:12 2011 |
I think it's an important game to win. Not at the expense of player health though. |
| Moondog said the following on Fri Dec 23 13:17 2011 |
Quote From: 'The Who'
The story read: ... it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface ...
Is there such a thing as a hard surface in England?
The ground could be pretty well frozen this time of year.
|
| Wolfpack said the following on Fri Dec 23 13:19 2011 |
Quote From: 'Moondog'
Quote From: 'The Who'
The story read: ... it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface ...
Is there such a thing as a hard surface in England?
The ground could be pretty well frozen this time of year.
I'm not sure of the facilities at Headingly (that's where the game is being played right?) but most professional northern hemisphere sporting facilities have heating coils under the pitches to ensure that they don't freeze over.
Also keep in mind that English pitches are apparently a lot softer & of better quality than Aussie ones (according to a lot of players who have come to the A-League from Europe). |
| Cambo said the following on Fri Dec 23 13:53 2011 |
Quote From: 'Wolfpack'
Quote From: 'Moondog'
[quote='The Who' pid='371176' dateline='1324598459']
The story read: ... it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface ...
Is there such a thing as a hard surface in England?
The ground could be pretty well frozen this time of year.
I'm not sure of the facilities at Headingly (that's where the game is being played right?) but most professional northern hemisphere sporting facilities have heating coils under the pitches to ensure that they don't freeze over.
Also keep in mind that English pitches are apparently a lot softer & of better quality than Aussie ones (according to a lot of players who have come to the A-League from Europe).
[/quote]
Elland rd has heating headingly doesn't apparently that's why Leeds choose it. Their sick of nrl teams beating them lol |
| Wolfpack said the following on Fri Dec 23 14:04 2011 |
Well that's f***ked. You'd think that they would at least play the WCC at a decent stadium. I understand that Elland Rd. Is being used by Leeds Utd. but surely there is a better option than Headingly. |
| eagles2win said the following on Fri Dec 23 15:44 2011 |
Damn it wanted to see Snake break the record Frano Boticas record of tries in the WCC.
Oh well have to hope that Choc does it now |
| DSM5 said the following on Fri Dec 23 18:28 2011 |
Good to read that Whare is being considered. He needs encouragement and game time to bring out his talent. |
| Moondog said the following on Fri Dec 23 18:38 2011 |
Quote From: 'DSM5'
Good to read that Whare is being considered. He needs encouragement and game time to bring out his talent.
Whare has been a bit unlucky injury wise. I've been impressed with what I've seen of him.
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| jjai said the following on Sun Dec 25 18:06 2011 |
Quote From: 'The Who'
The story read: ... it seems doubtful Stewart will face the Rhinos on a hard English surface ...
Is there such a thing as a hard surface in England?
Ever heard of snow, sleet & frost... :P |
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