Manly back-row star Glenn Stewart claims he’s almost back to his best form and warned slumping South Sydney he’ll be a far more formidable opponent on Friday than when the heavyweight sides last met at Brookvale in April.
Souths prevailed 20-12 in a brutal but enthralling round seven clash, but will take on a red-hot Sea Eagles at Gosford on the back of two successive losses and injury doubts hanging over Greg Inglis and John Sutton.
Stewart was the stand-out performer in Manly’s 27-12 win over the Warriors, having a significant role in four of his side’s five tries on Sunday.
The win moved the Sea Eagles to third spot and they now sit three points behind second-placed Souths.
Stewart said he’s put the lingering effects of knee surgery firmly behind him going into the business end of the season.
“The Souths game was my first game back and I was a bit off the pace and they got up over us,” Stewart said.
“But I am getting there. I feel there’s still parts of my game to improve but my knee feels a lot better that’s for sure.
“I missed most of the first half of the year but we’re starting to field the same team each week and looking good.
“It will be a very tough game against Souths, but we’re all very much looking forward to it.”
Stewart was so concerned about his form earlier in the season he asked NSW coach Laurie Daley not to be considered for State of Origin, but now he wants to be part of the Kangaroos squad for the upcoming World Cup in the UK later this year.
The Rabbitohs showed glimpses of being back to their best with a strong second-half showing in Melbourne, despite going down 26-8 at AAMI Park.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey has overseen a run of six straight wins but remains wary of Souths in a blockbuster match certain to be played before a sell-out crowd at Bluetongue Stadium.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Brisbane kept alive their flickering finals hopes with a nailbiting 26-24 win over St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium.
A try for debutant winger Jordan Drew helped the Broncos on their way, but the victory was marred by a serious injury to Queensland and Test star Justin Hodges.
The classy centre was carried off in the first half with a ruptured Achilles tendon which will end his season and rule him out of the World Cup.
There was also bad news for the ladder-leading Sydney Roosters with outstanding back-rower Boyd Cordner set to miss up to eight weeks with an ankle injury.
The 21-year-old may need surgery after reportedly sustaining syndesmosis during the Roosters’ 28-22 win over Canberra on Saturday.
