NRL: Inglis, Stewart set to return

Manly fullback Brett Stewart has been named to play against Cronulla on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Greg Inglis' appearance in a Melbourne court today will determine whether he joins fellow controversial poster boy Brett Stewart in making his NRL return this weekend.

Stewart, who along with Inglis starred in the NRL's advertising campaign at the start of the year, was named to make his comeback from a knee injury against Cronulla on Sunday.

Inglis was nowhere to be seen when Storm coach Craig Bellamy read out his side to face the Sydney Roosters, but he still remains some chance of playing in the last game at Olympic Park.

The test ace is due to appear in Sunshine Magistrates Court today for the continuation of his assault case after he was charged with an alleged attack on partner Sally Robinson.

Robinson has reportedly provided police with new information, though a Storm official said Inglis' possible return would not necessarily depend on his case being thrown out.

It is believed the Storm board will meet late today to review the situation after the club stood Inglis down from all duties when charges were laid on August 10.

The NRL refused to comment on the possibility of Inglis being cleared to return, preferring to wait until after his appearance in court.

The situation mirrors that of Stewart, who was cleared to play despite being charged with sexual assault resulting from an alleged incident which followed the club's season launch in early March.

After serving a four-game ban imposed by the NRL for his drunken behaviour at the launch, Stewart returned in devastating fashion with five tries in two appearances before rupturing the medial ligament in his knee against South Sydney in round six.

The former test fullback returned to training last month but has only now satisfied coach Des Hasler of his fitness.

"Our rehab and medical staff have done a wonderful job and Brett will definitely be out there on Sunday, but we are not expecting him to perform any miracles," Hasler said.

"He has been out for a long time and he just needs some football under his belt."

With Stewart's sexual assault case due back in court next month, Hasler said a return to the paddock was just what the elusive No 1 needed.

"I think it's good for Brett and it's good for the club that he will be back playing football," Hasler said.

"He's in a good frame of mind."

The return of the potent attacking duo will no doubt boost the premiership hopes of last year's grand final combatants, particularly the Storm who have dropped both games Inglis has missed.

Similarly, the Sea Eagles lost all four games which Stewart missed at the beginning of the season.

Despite the pair's return impacting on his side's premiership chances, St George Illawarra winger Wendell Sailor welcomed their return to action.

"They're the reasons why you go to games, to watch these blokes," Sailor said.

"You want to play against the best and I love playing Greg Inglis and I love playing Brett Stewart.

"You want to see the best players, you want to play against the best and they're two of the best players this game's got."

- AAP