Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
<p>MANLY early this morning rejected the advice of NRL boss David Gallop and announced besieged fullback Brett Stewart would play in the opening round of the premiership this weekend. After a marathon five-hour emergency meeting and a passionate plea from coach Des Hasler, Manly's board point-blank ignored Gallop, who spoke on loudspeaker for 25 minutes, trying to convince them Stewart should stand down. The meeting came just hours after Stewart was charged at Dee Why police station with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl.</p><p> Three hours into the meeting, the seven-man board agreed to let Stewart play and even drafted a press release, which was to be sent to the media at 10.15pm. But Gallop stepped in at the last minute and made it abundantly clear he felt the Test star should be stood down. Even as late as 11pm, Gallop was holding talks with Manly officials about their contentious decision. Directors then re-convened and discussed the matter until 1am. Hasler had earlier spoken at the meeting, slamming his fists on the desk demanding Stewart be allowed to play. He had left the meeting thinking Stewart was playing. Hasler was said to be furious when later told the board was considering reversing its decision after he had left the meeting. </p>
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