NRL 2024: Geoff Toovey set to walk out on Manly over mates axing | What’s the Buzz
There’s gotta be an investigation! Furious Manly legend Geoff Toovey is set to walk away from the club following the recent axing of a close mate and club official.
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Manly boss Tony Mestrov has called an urgent meeting with disgruntled club legend Geoff Toovey this week over suggestions the former coach, captain and champion halfback is ready to walk out on the club.
Toovey has a senior coaching role in Manly’s pathways, but is angry about the departure of one of his closest friends, who was marched into CEO Mestrov’s office last week and then told his services were no longer required.
His crime … talking to the media.
A clearly agitated Toovey would not comment when I phoned him on Friday.
“As per my contract, I can’t comment,” was all he would say.
There has been major drama behind the scenes at the club over the restructuring of pathways and Mestrov’s cost-cutting.
Plus the fact one of Toovey’s closest mates was shown the door last week, two months before he was scheduled to leave.
Mestrov will hold peace talks next week.
“I’ve known Geoff for a long time,” Mestrov said.
“We’re friends, but he has to respect that I’m the boss and doing my job in the best interests of the club. There’s no more politics at Manly.
“We’re going to catch up next week.
“He’s a good guy, and I want him to stay. I want to work with him.
“He’s a legend of the club, and you know how much I respect the past. I’m not a control freak, and I treat them (ex-players) with respect.
“Everything I do has to be in the best interest of the club.
“If he’s got a problem working with me, that’s his problem.
“But I want to work with him. Geoff’s got a lot to contribute to this club.”
Manly announced during the week a split from western Sydney feeder club Blacktown to run its own NSW Cup side from the northern beaches
next year.
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