NRL: Manly will recover from T-Rex exit - Stewart

AAP

5 Jun, 2012 01:35 AM2 mins to read

Tony Williams. Photo /Getty Images

Glenn Stewart admits the loss of Manly teammate Tony Williams to Canterbury is a big blow for the NRL premiers, but said the club will recover from his departure.

The Bulldogs announced on Monday that the 23-year-old representative back-rower had signed a four-year deal from the start of next season following a long pursuit for his services.

Williams becomes the first member of Manly's 2011 premiership-winning side to link up with former coach Des Hasler, who walked out on the club to take over at Belmore at the end of last season.

"It is disappointing to lose him, but that is what happens with the salary cap - you can't keep everyone,'' Stewart said at the NSW State of Origin camp in Sydney.

In addition to becoming the best team in the NRL last year, Stewart said the bond formed between the players at the club had helped create an unshakeable belief which will continue despite the loss of Williams.

"We've got a good culture there and all the boys are really tight,'' Stewart said.

"Even with the young fellas who have come through from an early age, everyone is real close there.

"It makes it hard when people do leave, but everyone has to look after themselves. But I am sure that good culture will continue.''

Stewart missed almost the first two months of the season after breaking his hand in the opening round against the Warriors, and last year's Clive Churchill winner felt he was not at his best during the 18-10 defeat to Queensland in the Origin opener in Melbourne due to a lack of match sharpness.

"I was probably a little bit off,'' he said.

"It was my first game for a while at that level and I will be looking to get more involved this time around.

"It gets easier the more games you play. I think I had two games under my belt before the last game.