NRL star Brett Stewart broke down in court at his sexual assault trial yesterday as he listened to a Sea Eagles staff member give evidence that the footballer would "never, ever disrespect a woman".
Elizabeth Marin, a performance analyst with the Manly club, told the District Court she was with Stewart throughout the day on March 6 last year, shortly before he allegedly assaulted a teenage girl.
Ms Marin said Stewart was in full control of his faculties and not drunk, as the 17-year-old complainant and her family has alleged.
Stewart denies indecently and sexually assaulting the girl as he arrived home to his North Manly home about 7pm that evening.
Ms Marin became tearful when she spoke of how Stewart had been chosen as the face of rugby league before the incident.
"He is well regarded by everyone and well respected," she said.
Asked by Stewart's barrister, Tony Bellanto QC, if she found the allegations out of character, Ms Marin replied: "Definitely. I have thought about it a number of times, and this is why it upsets me so much.
"I know all my players very well, but a number of them could never ever, ever disrespect a woman the way [that has been alleged] and Brett Stewart is definitely one of those players that never, ever would disrespect someone like that," she said.