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Manly Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart set to receive $3.5 million offer to switch to rugby union
London Irish rugby union club is preparing a $3.5 million offer to poach Brett Stewart from the NRL.
The NSW star is also being chased by two Super League clubs, and interest has been expressed from French rugby union.
The Daily Telegraph understands that Stewart is after a four-year deal at Manly Sea Eagles worth $2.4 million.
Stewart is said to be considering a move overseas given the scrutiny he lives under in Sydney.
The star fullback would attract about $850,000 a season from London Irish. Talks between the club and Stewart's management team are well under way.
A move to European rugby union would send shockwaves through the NRL.
London Irish are in the second-tier English rugby union competition and coached by Brian Smith, the former Wallaby five-eighth who played rugby league with Balmain and Eastern Suburbs. Smith also played Test rugby union for Ireland.
Former Sydney Roosters centre Setaimata Sa recently signed with London Irish, while former UK league great Shaun Edwards has signed on as defence coach.
Edwards is in Sydney with the Welsh rugby team.
Former Waratahs assistant coach Brian Melrose is also on the coaching staff.
A source in London said: "London Irish have the money. Rugby union has a salary cap twice the size of Super League.
"Brett Stewart would be a sensation over here. We watch him play NRL every week. He is an amazing athlete. He would set alight our competition."
Stewart remains the highest profile NRL player unsigned for next season.
While he is seeking a four-year deal, it's thought Manly are ready to table a three-season contract.
Stewart and his manager, Daryl Mather, will hold further discussions with the Sea Eagles next week.
It is understood Super League clubs could not afford Stewart, especially as his value has increased since his two-try performance in State of Origin II.
He has always expressed a desire to stay at Brookvale but this offer has come from the clouds.
Stewart is certain to be picked for Origin III, but brother Glenn will be unavailable through injury.
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Considering who we have lost already I'll be disappointed of we lose Stewart as well. I'd rather we don't pay way overs. I hope Dean Ritchie has factored in the 'Euro' equation on this.
- By Dean Ritchie
London Irish rugby union club is preparing a $3.5 million offer to poach Brett Stewart from the NRL.
The NSW star is also being chased by two Super League clubs, and interest has been expressed from French rugby union.
The Daily Telegraph understands that Stewart is after a four-year deal at Manly Sea Eagles worth $2.4 million.
Stewart is said to be considering a move overseas given the scrutiny he lives under in Sydney.
The star fullback would attract about $850,000 a season from London Irish. Talks between the club and Stewart's management team are well under way.
A move to European rugby union would send shockwaves through the NRL.
London Irish are in the second-tier English rugby union competition and coached by Brian Smith, the former Wallaby five-eighth who played rugby league with Balmain and Eastern Suburbs. Smith also played Test rugby union for Ireland.
Former Sydney Roosters centre Setaimata Sa recently signed with London Irish, while former UK league great Shaun Edwards has signed on as defence coach.
Edwards is in Sydney with the Welsh rugby team.
Former Waratahs assistant coach Brian Melrose is also on the coaching staff.
A source in London said: "London Irish have the money. Rugby union has a salary cap twice the size of Super League.
"Brett Stewart would be a sensation over here. We watch him play NRL every week. He is an amazing athlete. He would set alight our competition."
Stewart remains the highest profile NRL player unsigned for next season.
While he is seeking a four-year deal, it's thought Manly are ready to table a three-season contract.
Stewart and his manager, Daryl Mather, will hold further discussions with the Sea Eagles next week.
It is understood Super League clubs could not afford Stewart, especially as his value has increased since his two-try performance in State of Origin II.
He has always expressed a desire to stay at Brookvale but this offer has come from the clouds.
Stewart is certain to be picked for Origin III, but brother Glenn will be unavailable through injury.
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Considering who we have lost already I'll be disappointed of we lose Stewart as well. I'd rather we don't pay way overs. I hope Dean Ritchie has factored in the 'Euro' equation on this.
