NATIONAL Rugby League chief executive David Gallop last night announced the 2009 advertising campaign featuring Manly Sea Eagles star Brett Stewart would be suspended in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.

In a statement, Mr Gallop said: "In doing so, the NRL is making no judgement in terms of the matters that have [arisen against Stewart].

"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."

Stewart features in the multimillion-dollar "Park to Premiership" campaign alongside the Melbourne Storm's Greg Inglis. The ad - which was unveiled to much fanfare at the season launch at The Domain - features two young boys playing football in the park. The boys morph into Stewart and Inglis on the game's biggest stage. Stewart, the Manly fullback who has represented NSW and Australia, is one of the NRL's best players and most marketable stars. He features on the front of today's pre-printed Sun-Herald Footy Guide 2009 and, with his brother and Sea Eagles teammate Glenn Stewart, spoke at the launch of the season on Wednesday night.

The NRL said it would examine alternative advertising options in the coming days.

The Sea Eagles were last night deliberating on Stewart's immediate playing future with the club.