Manly star arrested for sexual assault

Brett Stewart's future with the Manly Sea Eagles is in doubt after allegations the
rugby league player sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl after the club's season
launch party.
The alleged incident took place two days after the launch of television ads
featuring Stewart and Melbourne five-eighth Greg Inglis as the faces of the 2009
National Rugby League season.
Manly has confirmed Stewart was arrested over the incident.
Police said the girl and Stewart were chatting outside a unit block at 8pm (AEDT) in
Pittwater Road at North Manly before moving to a nearby stairwell.
The girl alleges she was then sexually assaulted.
She fled to a nearby unit and raised the alarm and later went to Royal North Shore
Hospital for treatment.
The club has denied the allegation.
NRL chief David Gallop says he has spoken to the club and they may stand Stewart down.
"Certainly, Manly are considering that over the next few days as more information
comes to light," Mr Gallop told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.
"We've spoken about that being a distinct possibility.
"We've had players stood down when police charges have been laid before."
Police say Stewart refused to be interviewed. He was released without charge pending
further investigations.
Steward was served with a personal violence order restraining contact with the girl.
The NRL launched its advertising campaign only on Wednesday, with Stewart and
Melbourne five-eighth Greg Inglis as the stars of the television ad.
Mr Gallop said the situation was "incredibly frustrating" and "disappointing".
"The continuation of the commercials is certainly under consideration," he said.
"We're hoping to get more information about the allegations over the next couple of
days."
He criticised players who drink alcohol to excess and get into trouble.
"I think fans of the game are entitled to be dismayed that in these economic times
well-paid footballers are, it seems, continually getting themselves in trouble in
relation to abuse of alcohol."
Manly chief executive Grant Mayer declined to comment but issued a statement related
to the alleged incident.
"The allegation is denied," Mr Mayer said in the statement.
"However, the club acknowledges that the investigation is ongoing and in these
circumstances, and on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the
club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that
investigation."
A Sea Eagles spokesman said the launch party was held at the Manly Wharf Hotel on
Friday afternoon, and police had attended in response to an incident involving
another player.
Second-rower Anthony Watmough allegedly slapped a sponsor, who declined to provide
police with a statement into the incident.
The spokesman said the matter was settled privately on Saturday.