The Sea Eagles had scheduled a media call at their training headquarters for today, and there was intense speculation among sources on the northern beaches that the bad news on Stewart was set to become public.

The representative fullback was hurt making a tackle on Wests Tigers winger Lote Tuqiri in Monday night's game at Sydney Football Stadium. He underwent scans yesterday.

Stewart hurt his right knee in round six of last season and needed an operation to repair the damage. He was unable to resume playing until round 25.

The injury he sustained on Monday was to his left knee.

BRETT STEWART TIMELINE

March 4 - Stars in NRL's advertising campaign alongside Melbourne star Greg Inglis, the pair given the honour of officially opening the season at a season launch at The Domain in Sydney.

March 6 - Attends Manly's season launch at Manly Wharf Hotel.

March 10 - Charged with sexual assault after allegedly assaulting a 17-year old female following the club's season launch.

March 11 - Suspended by the NRL for first four rounds for being drunk at club launch.

April 7 - Stewart pleads not guilty to all charges.

April 12 - Makes an immediate impact in his return to the Sea Eagles line-up with three tries in a 23-10 win over Wests Tigers, Manly's first win of the year.

April 18 - Makes it five tries in a two games with a double against Souths, but limps off late in the game with a knee injury.

April 24 - Undergoes surgery on his right knee which rules him out for four months.

August 30 - Returns to action for Manly's final two games and the qualifying final loss to Melbourne which brings the club's season to an end.

September 28 - Stewart ordered to face a committal hearing in February 2010.

February 4, 2010 - Hearing adjourned to March 22.

March 15 - Plays in Manly's season-opening loss to Wests Tigers, and is carried off in the dying stages with an injured left knee.

March 17 - Told he faces surgery on his left knee which could sideline him for five months of the season.