NRL 2022: Manly CEO Tony Mestrov insists Tom and Jake Trbojevic aren’t ‘going anywhere’

Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov has issued a hands-off warning to rival clubs after a Sydney side was linked to the three Trbojevic brothers.

Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Manly boss Tony Mestrov has rubbished suggestions the club is looking to offload star duo Tom and Jake Trbojevic despite the pair becoming on the radar of rival clubs in recent days.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive in recent days that Manly were willing to part company with their marquee players.

Rival clubs naturally expressed an instant interest and it is understood one Sydney club were offered the Trbojevic brothers – Jake, Tom and Ben.

However, a frustrated Mestrov flatly rejected any plans to move the brothers on.

“I don’t know where those suggestions are coming from because they aren’t coming from the club,” Mestrov said. “I’ve spoken to Tom and Jake numerous times, including on Thursday.

Tom Trbojevic has expressed his frustrations at the dramas at Manly. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“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.”

The pair eat up more than $2 million in the club’s salary cap and Tom’s ongoing injury concerns hampered the club this season.

Despite this Mestrov remains adamant Jake, Tom and Daly Cherry-Evans are the cornerstone of Manly becoming a premiership threat.

Jake, Ben and Tom Trbojevic are vital to Manly’s success on the field. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Tom met with his manager Paul Sutton via Zoom on Friday morning after a week of drama at the Sea Eagles which resulted in Des Hasler’s axing on Thursday.

The ongoing negatives headlines have frustrated the Trbojevic brothers although it is unlikely at this stage that it would lead to either player wanting out of their junior club.

Their desperation to win a premiership is at the height of their angsts.

Tom has opted to keep a low profile, declaring as far as he is concerned it is business as usual. He has just returned from a European holiday and is focused on repairing his injured shoulder.

Jake and Cherry-Evans are expected to front the media for the first time since Hasler’s axing after they play in Australia’s opening World Cup match against Fiji on Sunday.

The Trbojevic’s share the same management company as Hasler.

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles and Hasler’s camp are still locked in negotiations to finalise the exit of the former coach.

A pay out figure is yet to be agreed upon, with Hasler exploring his legal options.