The fallout from Des Hasler’s sacking as Manly coach is set to have a number of ramifications to the club’s staff and potentially their playing group.
Star fullback Tom Trbojevic called an emergency meeting with his manager in the wake of the decision, while the former coach’s staff are also in the firing line.
Follow the developments as they happen at the Manly Sea Eagles below.
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DOLPHINS READY TO SNAP UP STAR SIBLINGS
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has revealed he “could possibly look” at signing Tom and Jake Trbojevic.
The brothers, who are big supporters of Hasler, are signed to Manly until the end of 2026 but recent comments made by their manager will keep the club on high alert.
Paul Sutton told News Corp that the brothers were “unhappy” and concerned that their beloved club was “imploding.”
Trbojevic then called an emergency meeting with Sutton to discuss his future. The outcome of that meeting is that the club’s situation is too delicate for the 26-year-old to make an immediate call and he will continue on with the Sea Eagles.
But no doubt several rivals are keeping a close eye on the fallout from Hasler’s sacking — particularly Bennett, who still has plenty of cash to spend for next season.
Bennett told The Sydney Morning Herald that it’s a possibility he may consider.
“We’re interested in any player who is coming off contract or is available to negotiate,” he said.
“We all know the standing of those two players in the game. It’s something we could possibly have a look at.”
But Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov indicated that the club would not entertain a release request — if it even gets that far.
“They are an integral part of the future of the club,” Mestrov told the Herald.
“They are contracted to the end of 2026, simple as that. I’ve spoken to them quite a number of times, both brothers, they are a big part of the club’s future.
“We will discuss things with them regarding the future of the club. They are here until the end of 2026 as far as the club is concerned.”
In a dramatic twist, News Corp reported that Manly were actually willing to offload the brothers and that they had been offered to a rival Sydney club.
But Mestrov shot down those claims
“I don’t know where those suggestions are coming from because they aren’t coming from the club,” he told News Corp.
“I’ve spoken to Tom and Jake numerous times, including on Thursday.
“They are the future of the club. It is simple. They are Manly through and through and as far as we’re concerned they will be here until at least the end of 2026.
“There is no doubt they are a little disappointed with what has gone on in the past few months. But they love the club and they won’t be going anywhere.”
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TURBO TO STAY PUT… FOR NOW
Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic will be staying put at the Sea Eagles after meeting with his manager on Friday in the wake of Des Hasler’s sacking.
That is according to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, who reported that Trbojevic believes the situation is “too unpredictable and emotional” to make an immediate call on his future.
After weeks of speculation, the Sea Eagles terminated Hasler’s contract on Thursday.
News Corp then revealed that Trbojevic had called a meeting with his manager, Paul Sutton via Zoom for Friday.
Weidler said ahead of the meeting: “It would not be a surprise if he asked for a release from his rich deal.”
But it seems the situation was brought under control with Weidler reporting on Friday that Trbojevic is “now focused on his revoery and getting back on the field for Manly.”
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HASLER’S SUPPORT STAFF IN THE FIRING LINE
Des Hasler’s sacking is set to impact his support staff at Manly amid reports Anthony Seibold is in line to take over as coach.
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis revealed on SEN radio that Hasler’s long-time support staff are likely to be moved on as well.
“His support staff, his long-term head of performance Donny Singe I’d say is in a fair bit of trouble,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Michael Monaghan, a former captain and member of Des Hasler’s coaching staff is unlikely to be there as well.
“That’s on the back of Chad Randall leaving to be Cameron Ciraldo’s assistant at Canterbury.
“So there’s going to be a mass changing of the guard at Manly.”
Carrayanis believes Seibold is likely to bring in his own support staff once he is officially unveiled as Manly’s new coach.
“Anthony Seibold once he’s officially appointed coach will bring in his own people,” Carrayanis said.
“I’m not sure exactly where that will land yet but there’s going to be more change at Brooky no doubt.”
