Pride jersey fiasco still causing angst for Manly Sea Eagles

The damning fallout from the Manly Sea Eagles’ pride jersey fiasco is said to still be causing major angst inside the clubs walls.

Manly are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Picture: Getty Images

Manly’s season threatens to plunge into further turmoil amid suggestions that the club are struggling to repair a major split within the playing group.

New boss Tony Mestrov has strongly refuted there is a fractured squad but the fallout from Manly’s pride jersey fiasco is said to still be causing major angst at the Sea Eagles.

“From our point of view, there is not a split,” Mestrov said.

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“We are not where we want to be on the field at the moment but the players are saying they have moved on.

“They had dinner (together) last week. We are just not playing well. That other stuff is over.”

Manly’s pride jersey fiasco is said to still be causing major angst at the Sea Eagles. Picture: Getty Images

Despite the denials, those with links to the clubs insist tension continues to simmer. Relationships have struggled to be repaired since the Manly seven boycotted the match against the Roosters on July 28, with a divide still between the players who played and those who did not.

It comes as pressure also mounts on coach Des Hasler to make changes as the Sea Eagles’ season heads towards a disappointing finish.

Manly are expected to keep Hasler next season but there are likely to be major changes to their backroom staff over the offseason.

Pressure is mounting on Manly coach Des Hasler. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The Sea Eagles’ are eerily following a similar path to that of the Dragons last year when they capitulated after BBQ-gate.

Players were also criticised for their public support of Manaise Fainu following his court conviction.

Manly are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and have looked a shadow of the side which was pushing for a top eight spot only a matter of weeks ago.

Now they will miss the eight and face a stern test against an in-form Cronulla on Saturday night. Another capitulation and the fractures will be laid bare.