Manly teammates have expressed shock and disappointment after learning stalwart Glenn Stewart has played his last game for the club.
The representative back-rower, who will join South Sydney next season, underwent ankle surgery on Thursday following a setback in his rehabilitation of an injury that has sidelined him since April.
It was hoped the 30-year-old would get the chance to play in front of the Brookvale Oval crowd for the final time on Sunday afternoon against Penrith but Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey admitted he's unlikely to get the chance to select him again.
"It's very disappointing for the club and for Glenn," Toovey said.
"He is a Clive Churchill Medal winner, played in grand finals ... an Australian player ... it would have been great to see him run out at Brookvale Oval again in the maroon and white."
Close friend Steve Matai was bitterly disappointed for Stewart and paid tribute to his role in a hugely successful decade for club that produced two premierships in four grand final appearances.
"That's a shock to me," said Kiwi centre Matai.
"Glenn is a really good mate of mine, it's real sad he won't get to put the jumper on again.
"He's a big part of the culture here. We've been playing together for the last 10-11 years.
"He brings a lot to that (culture). He's a great ball player, a great defender and he'll be sadly missed."
Sea Eagles winger Jorge Taufua said Stewart and co-captain Jason King, who has announced he'll retire at the end of the season, played key roles in helping him develop from a Parramatta discard.
"Glenn is a big part of our team and it's disappointing he won't be here to finish our season. We miss him already," Taufua said.
"Gifty (Stewart) and Kingy have been a big part of my development here and I would have loved to have played again with the both of them for a last time."
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