Tasman United re-sign ‘inspirational’ Stewart
As Ryan Stewart trudged off Trafalgar Park, substituted in the 82nd minute of their 2-1 victory over Eastern Suburbs on February 19, he wondered if this would be his final act as a Tasman United player.
He had just been diagnosed with testicular cancer and would miss the final two games of the season in order to undergo treatment.
Although the 32-year-old said his immediate concern was his health, Stewart has revealed that some doubt had crept in about his long-term future in the ISPS Handa Premiership.
‘‘The last thing on my mind back then was ‘am I going to play again?’ I just wanted to get the treatment done and go from there,’’ he said.
‘‘But it did cross my mind, particularly in that Eastern Suburbs game. I was a bit emotional after that because I did think it could have been my last game for Tasman, not knowing what the treatment would do to my fitness.’’
But coach Davor Tavich was adamant Stewart would be back wearing azure and white hoops for the 2017-18 season - he even told him that after the Eastern Suburbs match.
‘‘I spoke to Davor afterwards and he said it wouldn’t be my last game ... even when he came to visit me during my treatment he told me that I was part of his plans for the Tasman season and told me not to rush myself back, get back when I feel like I’m ready to go.
‘‘But I’ve felt really good for Nelson Suburbs and week in, week out I feel like I’m getting fitter and fitter,’’ he said.
This week Stewart signed a new contract with Tasman, becoming the eighth player to commit to the team for the upcoming campaign, completing another significant step on the road back from his battle with cancer.
Given the all clear by his doctor, Stewart made his Mainland Premier League return with Nelson Suburbs on June 17.
He has started the past four matches and said his fitness is increasing with every game.
‘‘There’s going to be a lot of hard work ahead but it’s going to be a preseason where I can just put my head down and work on my fitness and Davor isn’t going to rush me back, he will wait until I’m back to my full strength before he asks me to do a job for him.’’
Tavich hailed Stewart’s brav- ery and said he would be a valuable asset to the team.
‘‘He has been an inspiration with the stuff that he went through. I seen him a few times in hospital and his bravery was unbelievable,’’ Tavich said.
‘‘I watched him play the other week and he was pretty much the best player on the pitch so to have ‘Skippy’ back is great for me on a personal level and a professional level.’’
Stewart made 14 appearances for Tasman last season, used primarily at right-back. Although Tavich said his versatility does give the team options, he has indicated that Stewart will likely be deployed in his preferred position as right winger.
‘‘To me personally he’s more of an attacking player, he has a beautiful cross and his ability to control the ball at pace is second to none, and when he’s fit he’s very hard to stop.
‘‘If you have to I guess we could do the right fullback position but I would rather not use him there, I would rather use him further forward.’’
Although he has lived in the country for more than five years, Stewart does not have New Zealand citizenship and will therefore count as an import.