After nearly a year on the sidelines, two operations on a fractured ankle and countless hours in the rehabilitation unit, South Sydney recruit Glenn Stewart has declared himself 100 per cent heading into round one of the NRL.
Stewart made a successful return to the pitch on Saturday night, playing a 40-minute stint in the Rabbitohs' pre-season trial draw with Northern Pride, a game that doubled as his debut in the cardinal and myrtle.
He on Sunday travelled with the side to England where he will line up for the NRL premiers in the World Club Challenge against St Helens.
In a positive sign for Rabbitohs fans, the former NSW back-rower said he felt good after playing the first half at Redfern Oval and could have gone back out for the final 40 minutes.
He said it was rewarding to be back out on the park in what was his first game since round 8 last year.
After being ruled out for most of Manly's 2014 season and making a high-profile off-season switch to Redfern, Stewart said he was champing at the bit to play in round 1.
"We've had a strong and really good pre-season and I feel like I've got a close bond with the boys already," he said.
"We're just looking to build on it ... they've all been welcoming, from the staff to the players and fans and I'm really thankful and hopefully I can repay them."
Souths coach Michael Maguire said he was pleased with Stewart's output and anticipated he would be at full pace for the side's season kick-off against Brisbane on March 5.
"Just to get back and playing, that's a really good start for Glenn," Maguire said.
"He put a lot of good, solid contacts on and no doubt he was probably blowing at times but it was a good start."
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