Injury ends Robbo's streak, Stewart back - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Injury ends Robbo's streak, Stewart back

By Angela Habashy 24/05/2011 05:26:26 PM Comments (0)

Manly winger Michael Robertson's record live streak of 139 consecutive NRL games is over but the Sea Eagles have a handy replacement in Brett Stewart.

Stewart was named on Tuesday to return from injury at fullback with Will Hopoate switching to the injured Robertson's wing spot for Friday night's clash with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

It's the first time Robertson will miss a game since his Manly debut in round two of 2006.

He held the longest live streak of consecutive games by a current NRL player since last month when injury claimed Cronulla journeyman John Morris who'd reached 150.

Morris' team-mate Luke Douglas, who sits on 132 consecutive matches, now takes up that mantle.

Robertson suffered his injury in last week's 16-12 win over the Gold Coast, a match in which he scored two tries.

He trained with the squad on Monday with the knee strapped and sore but was ruled out at training on Tuesday morning.

"It's not a bad injury but it means he'll have to miss this week, and given the fact that he's gone four or five seasons uninjured it's a bit of a blow," Manly coach Des Hasler said.

"He's just got what they think is an infection in his knee, so a bit of time, a bit of rest and he'll be right.

"It's looking like (he'll be out) for just one week at the moment."

Hasler was glad to get star fullback Stewart back on deck.

"We're fairly fortunate, we're pretty sure Snake (Stewart) will be right to play this week providing he can get through the rest of this week."

The Broncos have named stars Corey Parker and Origin debutant Jharal Yow Yeh on an extended Brisbane bench for Friday night's match however they won't be risking their Maroons team-mates Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Ben Hannant.

But despite the Broncos fielding a depleted side, Hasler will not be underestimating them.

"We've just got to go into the game ready to play 13 Brisbane players," he said.

"And let me tell you a little a bit about this Brisbane side. People think we're guilty of flying under the radar but I think Brisbane have been the most impressive side, along with the Dragons, this year.

"They are playing some really good, quality football, their younger players have matured and their defensive record speaks for itself.

"(We're) definitely claiming underdog status against an `Origin side' like the Broncos at their home ground.

"We know we've got something to prove left in us, so this will be a real good test for us against this Brisbane side."

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