Stewart has been forced into retirement due to a knee injury with the NRL believing it was not a one-off injury, therefore, determining the final year of his contract will contribute to this year’s cap.

Should Stewart’s contract be removed from the cap it would free up money to allow Manly to pursue a replacement.

The final year of his contract is believed to be worth about $600,000.

NRL chief medical officer Paul Bloomfield worked for Manly between 2000 and 2012 and knows Stewart’s medical history.

Stewart has battled knee injuries for several years and missed much of the 2009 and 2010 seasons before having his 2016 cut short with knee complaints. 

Teammate Steve Matai has also been forced to retire due to neck issues with the NRL yet to determine if his wages can be excluded from this year's cap.