Manly's Brett Stewart ran with team-matest before Sunday's NRL grand final. Photo: Copyright © Renee McKay/Action Photographics Photograph: Renee McKay/Getty Images
Manly's Brett Stewart is expected to play in Sunday's NRL[1] grand final, despite experiencing further hamstring tightness during training this week.
Stewart's fitness sent some mild concern through the camp on the eve of the decider against the Sydney Roosters[2] .
Reports suggest Stewart isn't 100% fit after pulling up sore after his return against South Sydney last week, however he got through a light run with team-mates.
Both clubs completed their captain's runs on Saturday, with respective coaches Geoff Toovey and Trent Robinson putting the final polish on preparations.
For Manly, Joe Galuvao will not return from an achilles tear, but the news on Stewart is as positive as can be expected.
For the Roosters, forwards Boyd Cordner and Luke O'Donnell are both expected to be late inclusions in the side.
Roosters players got through their final run without complication, however coach Robinson says he won't publicly confirm his 17 until an hour before kick-off.
The Sea Eagles were without Stewart in week one of the playoffs when they went down to grand final opponents the Roosters 4-0.
Stewart was instrumental in last week's come-from-behind preliminary final win over South Sydney and his impact in the decider will be a crucial factor on the final outcome.
Stewart's deputy at fullback, 20-year-old Peta Hiku, has done well – but doesn't have the attacking instincts and presence of Stewart. "They need him ... he has to play," said the former Manly prop Mark Carroll.
Sea Eagles premiership winner Max Brown said he couldn't split Stewart from the club's fullback from their 1970s golden era, Graham Eadie.
"Different styles of play but both got the same result and are absolutely fantastic," said Brown. "I don't think I could rate either of those as number one and two. I'd put them both as number one."
The inclusion of O'Donnell and particularly Cordner will provide a major boost for the Roosters. Cordner broke through for NSW Origin selection this year and was voted the Dally M second rower of the year. He was outstanding for the Roosters until he broke his ankle seven weeks ago.
Cordner was close to playing last week against Newcastle, and Robinson has indicated he'll play the 21-year-old if he's anywhere close to full fitness.
O'Donnell is an NRL veteran with grand final, Origin and Test experience.
He missed the Knights' final with a hamstring strain but has reportedly recovered. Dylan Napa and Isaac Liu are tipped to be the young Roosters to make way.
At Manly, young forward James Hasson and journeyman David Gower are vying to fill the vacant spot on the bench.
References
- ^ More from guardian.co.uk on NRL (www.theguardian.com)
- ^ More from guardian.co.uk on Sydney Roosters (www.theguardian.com)
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