The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were dealt a big blow today with Head Coach Geoff Toovey confirming Glenn Stewart is unlikely to play for the Club again after undergoing ankle surgery again.
Stewart had been on the comeback trail since injuring his ankle against Canberra in April, however, a series of setbacks look set to have drawn a premature close to the 30 year-olds playing days in the maroon and white.
Toovey was optimistic for a return from the Clive Churchill Medalist in the coming weeks, but it now appears highly unlikely.
“It’s very disappointing for the club and for Glenn,” Toovey said.
"He is a Clive Churchill Medal winner, played in grand finals ... an Australian player ... it would have been great to see him run out at Brookvale Oval again in the maroon and white."
Get your tickets to farewell Glenn and Kingy here today
Brother Brett Stewart was the first to express his disappointment after hearing the news late yesterday.
“At this stage it looks like that will be him for the year. I feel a little bit sorry for him. It’s definitely a bummer,” Brett Stewart said.
“We might not get that chance to play together again, so it’s been a tough week.
“I spoke to him last night and he was probably a little bit shattered, like all of us, but he’s a tough man.”
Teammate and close friend Steve Matai was another player shattered to hear the news.
“He’s a big part of the culture here. We’ve been playing together for the last 10-11 years and there’s been a big core group of players that have been here for that time,” Matai said.
“We’ve definitely built a culture here and Glenn brings a lot to that. On the field he’s just a great ball player, great runner of the ball, great defender and he’ll be sadly missed.”
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With the new yesterday that Jason King will retire from rugby league, all fans are encouraged to turn out on Sunday afternoon against the Penrith Panthers to say farewell to these two legends in the best possible way.
The Club has 5000 posters of both Glenn and Jason, along with video highlight packages of their Sea Eagles careers to be played on the big screen on the day. The Manly Leagues Club will also hosting a post-match function with the players.
