9 Mar 2009

Stewart set to play in Manly NRL opener despite sexual assault allegations

6:48 pm on 9 March 2009

Star fullback Brett Stewart is set to play in Manly's national rugby league season opener on Saturday despite facing an allegation of sexual assault.

Stewart returned to training with his teammates today despite calls for Manly to stand him down while police investigate a 17-year-old girl's claim that he sexually assaulted her on Friday night, following the club's season launch.

Club CEO Grant Mayer spoke to the players before training today and acknowledges the level of alcohol drinking by some players at the launch was "unacceptable".

Mayer has indicated Stewart and second rower Anthony Watmough who allegedly slapped a sponsor at the function are likely to face disciplinary action from the club over their drinking.