Hamstrung Brett Stewart desperate to play Origin for NSW Brett Stewart in action for the Sea Eagles. BRETT Stewart has been battling a hamstring injury for two months but is determined to retain the NSW Origin jumper he won back last year. Stewart will not play for Country in Sunday's match against City after aggravating the problem in Manly's 25-18 win over Cronulla on Sunday. The star fullback revealed his desire for another crack against the all-conquering Queenslanders as his brother Glenn is preparing to make a comeback from injury in the club's match against Souths on Friday week. Tempering news of Glenn's return is the possible loss of centre Steve Matai with a fractured finger that could keep him sidelined for three to four matches. Brett said of his NSW jumper: "Origin is still a few more weeks away and I am trying to get on top of it (the hamstring). I had a few years away from it (Origin) and last year was my first year back. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ricky (Stuart) put a lot of pride and passion back into the jersey. That's not to say it wasn't there but maybe he put a little bit more back. I'm sure Laurie will do a good job taking over from Sticky. If I'm not 100 per cent then I won't be able to play but obviously I will have to get selected first. Despite the injury, Stewart has enjoyed a super start to the season in a Manly team that has won five of its opening six games. If fit, there is little doubt he will stroll back into the Blues side. "The injury has been giving me grief," Brett said. I've been getting through the games but it's definitely not 100 per cent.