Manly threw everything they possibly could at the Sydney Roosters in Saturday night’s NRL qualifying final, except Brett Stewart.

The injured fullback’s substitute Peter Hiku was the official man of the match, but the Roosters’ gritty 4-0 win at Allianz Stadium proved there’s only one Brett Stewart.

It seems Manly’s premiership hopes will hinge on whether their most prized attacking weapon can fight his way back from a hamstring injury.

Former Roosters player Jimmy Smith summed it up best in television commentary when he noted that Stewart’s absence is a 12-point swing on any contest.

He’s usually good for a try and usually good to stop one.

Of all the half chances Manly created against the brick-wall Roosters defence, they’d like to think Stewart might have been able to capitalise on one.

Stewart was originally named to face the Roosters, suggesting the Sea Eagles have every right to be hopeful he’ll be right to face the Cronulla Sharks in an elimination final on Friday night.

But there’s been speculation Stewart may not make it back for the rest of the season.

It’s sure to be an anxious wait.

Manly will start firm favourites to beat the Sharks without their custodian and their clash with the Roosters was one of the most intense and physical finals in recent memory.

But if they’re to force their way through to face South Sydney in a preliminary final and the Roosters or Melbourne in the big dance – they’ll need their superstar.

That’s to take nothing away from rookie fullback Hiku, was as solid as a rock at the back on Saturday.

He ran an astonishing 278 metres, made six tackle breaks and repelled constant pressure in defence.

However, Stewart is the x-factor for Manly.

The 28-year-old missed a five-week period from round nine this season, where Manly lost three matches and drew one.

They struggled for points in those matches and it was the same again at Allianz.

The Sea Eagles dominated field position for the entire match but still came up empty.

Manly are now 0-3 against the Roosters this season, however on two occasions they’ve been without Stewart, and on the other – he was playing his first match after injury.