Brett Stewart continues to battle knee injury amid doubt over Sea Eagles star’s playing future

SEA Eagles fullback Brett Stewart has been granted additional time away from training to focus on his injury rehabilitation.

SEA Eagles fullback Brett Stewart has been granted additional time away from training to focus on his injury rehabilitation.

The Daily Telegraph understands Stewart won’t be required back to Manly’s pre-season training until January 3.

The fullback continues to battle a knee injury and it remains unclear whether he will ever play again.

Stewart is on what has been described as an “extended hiatus”.

There have been suggestions he may announce his retirement but close friends say Stewart wants to play again.

Sea Eagles star Brett Stewart continues to battle a knee injury. Photo: Jerad Williams

It appears no decision will be made until the new year when the club can determine whether he is physically ready for another gruelling NRL season.

Stewart has a year to run on his contract. Should Stewart return in January fit, he would look to fulfil his contractual obligations and play on.

If he cannot overcome the injury, Manly and Stewart’s management would look at some sort of financial settlement.