League: Manly star in sex attack allegations

Manly fullback Brett Stewart. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Manly may stand down Brett Stewart and the NRL have suspended an advertising campaign featuring him following sexual assault allegations against the star fullback.

The Sea Eagles have confirmed that Stewart was arrested on Friday evening following allegations a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted after the club's season launch party.

The girl told police she and Stewart were chatting outside a unit block at 8pm (local time) in Pittwater Road at North Manly before moving their conversation into a nearby stairwell.

The girl alleges she was then sexually assaulted.

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 and he was released without charge pending further investigations.

Making matters worse, the NRL launched their advertising campaign on Wednesday with Stewart and Melbourne five-eighth Greg Inglis as the stars of the television ad.

That campaign has been suspended in the wake of the serious allegations but the NRL said the move should not be interpreted as the league passing judgement.

Mr Gallop said the situation was "incredibly frustrating" and "disappointing".

"We have considered the matter carefully throughout the day and until further light is shed on the issue we believe it is in the best interests of all parties that the campaign is suspended for the time being," he said in a statement.

The NRL will examine alternate advertising options in the next few days.

Mr Gallop criticised players who continue to 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."

- AAP