NRL poster boys set for NRL return

Greg Inglis' appearance in a Melbourne court on Wednesday 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 on Wednesday 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 on Wednesday 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."