Glenn Stewart

Glenn Stewart
Born	(1984-01-11) January 11, 1984 Australia
Occupation	Rugby league footballer
Years active	2003–2017
Known for	Playing for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Catalans Dragons, Leigh Centurions; Australian international; Clive Churchill Medal winner

Glenn Stewart (born 11 January 1984) is a retired Australian professional rugby league player who last competed for the Leigh Centurions in the Super League. An international representative for Australia and a New South Wales State of Origin player, he played in the NRL with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs, securing premiership titles in the 2008 and 2011 seasons and earning the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal while with Manly.

2000s

Stewart made his first-grade debut for Manly during Round 20 of the 2003 NRL season, entering from the bench in a 26–20 victory against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. His initial game alongside his brother Brett occurred in Round 18 of the following year’s season, contributing to a 26–18 win over the Wests Tigers at Brookvale Oval.

Between 2003 and 2006, Stewart featured in only 19 matches, often kept out by established back-row players such as Ben Kennedy, Anthony Watmough, and club icon Steve Menzies. After Kennedy's retirement at the conclusion of 2006, coach Des Hasler elevated Stewart to a consistent first-grade position in 2007, where he appeared in 26 games mainly as a second-row forward.

He participated in the 2007 NRL Grand Final, which resulted in a loss to the Melbourne Storm. During this final, his brother Brett sustained a concussion following a tackle involving Storm players Michael Crocker and Billy Slater.

In 2008, Stewart’s form improved significantly, earning him a spot on the bench for the Country Origin team in the annual City vs Country fixture. He played 26 matches that year and started at lock forward in Manly’s record-setting 40–0 triumph over Melbourne in the 2008 NRL Grand Final.

In August 2008, Stewart was included in Australia's initial 46-man squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, ultimately making the final 24-man roster. He was one of five Manly players selected, alongside front-rowers Brent Kite and Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough, and winger David Williams. His brother Brett withdrew due to injury despite initially being named as top try scorer. Stewart played second row as Australia suffered an unexpected 34–20 defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup final.

Following this impressive season, Stewart received the Dally M Second-Rower of the Year award for 2008.

On 1 March 2009, Stewart contributed to Manly’s first-ever victory in the World Club Challenge, defeating Super League champions Leeds Rhinos 28–20 at Elland Road, Leeds. His brother Brett again excelled by scoring two tries and providing an assist.

Stewart made his test debut against New Zealand during RLWC 08 at Sydney Football Stadium and represented Australia in the 2009 Anzac Test, where the Kangaroos defeated New Zealand 38–10. This appearance remains his last test cap as of 2014.

Recognized for his ball-handling ability and adaptability—often functioning as an additional playmaker from lock—Stewart was set to debut for New South Wales in Game 1 of the 2009 State of Origin series, but a suspension prevented this. He eventually made his debut in Game 2 at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium; nevertheless, Queensland won both matches to claim the series.

After beginning the 2009 NRL season with four straight losses, Manly recovered despite injuries but finished fifth on the ladder. Their finals campaign ended abruptly with a heavy 40-12 defeat by Melbourne at Etihad Stadium during the first week.

2010s

Stewart faced a three-match suspension following his involvement in the "Battle of Brookvale", where he collided with Melbourne's Adam Blair after both players were sent to the sin bin. This ban meant Stewart's return hinged on Manly advancing to the 2011 NRL Grand Final, which they successfully achieved. Coach Des Hasler brought Stewart back for the final against the New Zealand Warriors, where he delivered an outstanding performance that earned him the Clive Churchill Medal as Manly secured a 24–10 triumph.

A key moment occurred just before halftime when Stewart launched a grubber kick from his own 20-metre line to winger Michael Robertson, setting up halfback Daly Cherry-Evans to score and extend Manly’s lead to 12-2. In the second half, Stewart crossed for his first Grand Final try following a behind-the-back pass, joining his brother Brett who had scored earlier in the match.

During Round 22 of 2013 against the Warriors, Stewart distinguished himself as the only lock that season to record four try assists in a single game, contributing directly to every Manly try in their 27–12 victory. By April 2014, Manly had maintained an undefeated record in matches where both Glenn and Brett Stewart scored.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

On 22 April 2014, Stewart agreed to a two-year contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, starting in 2015, after Manly opted not to renew his deal. He sustained a thumb injury in Round 8 of the 2015 NRL season, which sidelined him until Round 16.

Catalans Dragons

Stewart signed a three-year deal with French Super League side Catalans Dragons on 10 September 2015, commencing in 2016 after being released from the final year of his Rabbitohs contract.

Leigh Centurions

Due to family reasons, Stewart departed Catalans Dragons and joined Leigh Centurions on a two-year contract. His season proved difficult as Leigh struggled with relegation, creating uncertainty about his future amid speculation linking him with Hull KR.

Statistics

Year	Team	Games	Tries	Pts
2003	Template:Leagueicon Manly-Warringah	2
2004		5	1	4
2005		5
2006		7	2	8
2007		26	3	12
2008		26	7	28
2009		23	3	12
2010		23	5	20
2011		23	4	16
2012		17	2	8
2013		22
2014		6
2015	Template:Leagueicon South Sydney Rabbitohs	18
2016	Template:Leagueicon Catalans Dragons	30	3	12
2017	Template:Leagueicon Leigh Leopards	24
	Totals	258	31	124