Tom Trbojevic reportedly ‘losing patience’ with Manly amid ongoing turmoil
There are fears Manly’s best player could be on the outer at the club following months of turmoil and damaging headlines.
Manly’s best player Tom Trbojevic is reportedly “losing patience” with the club following months of turmoil and damaging headlines.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the recent treatment of coach Des Hasler, a two-time premiership-winning mentor who’s beloved by the players, has only deepened the divide between player and club.
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Both Tom and his representative forward brother Jake are extremely close with Hasler, as proven by the fact they both requested for their last contracts to be tied to that of Hasler’s when they were renegotiating in 2019.
The brothers requested a clause that would have seen them be able to break their contracts if Hasler was sacked.
That request was denied by club hierarchy with the pair eventually signing six-year extensions reportedly worth a combined $13m.
Tom’s deal won’t expire until the conclusion of the 2026 season, however the star fullback’s future seems far from assured with news emerging that not only is he frustrated at the club, but some at Manly are questioning his contributions to the side’s on-field fortunes, according to the SMH.
The 26-year-old, who’s paid $1.1m per season, has managed just 32 games across the last three seasons due to hamstring and shoulder injuries.
The SMH reports new Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov has strongly denied he is behind any potential move to push either of the brothers out the door.
Manly planning for life after Des
Meanwhile, Manly owner Scott Penn has given an interview in which he confirmed the club was planning for life after Des Hasler amid suggestions he could be replaced as early as this week.
“We’ve obviously just had a significant board meeting and had some discussions,” Penn told Nine News.
“We’ve been talking to Des and his manager for some time and we’re trying to find a resolution and we’re not quite there yet.
“We’re still in discussions to be fair but we need to bring this to a head.”
After being pressed if Hasler had coached his last game in charge of the club, Penn kept his cards close to his chest.
“Look I can’t really comment on that yet, but we certainly have some bridges to mend,” he said.
“This is an incredibly emotional issue. Des walked out on us back in 2011, I was the one to pick up the phone and bring him back to the club when nobody else wanted him so this is not a place that we want to be.
“It’s a disappointing place for all of us and it’s very emotional.
Penn delivered a not-so subtle jab at Hasler and poured fuel on the fire over his ability to draw the most out of the team while heaping praise on potential incomer Anthony Seibold.
“We have a premiership winning team. What we need is a football department that can get us back there as quickly as possible.
“Anthony has been at the club before and he demonstrated phenomenal intellect, he’s a great tactician. Really good with the players and he’s shown he’s got credentials as a head coach.
“We’re still working through a pathway, whether that’s assistant to start or the full process. But right now we have identified him as someone we’re very interested in.”
Hasler and the club have been at loggerheads in recent days over the club’s pride jersey scandal that derailed their season.
The Sea Eagles racked up seven-straight losses in the wake of the rainbow jersey drama which saw seven of the team’s best players withdraw from their Round 20 match against the Roosters on religious and cultural grounds.
Hasler is said to be considering a $1m lawsuit against the club over its decision to implement the pride jersey without consulting with the football department, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The paper reports Hasler considers his inability to fulfil contractual obligations was directly related to the pride jersey decision from club hierarchy.
He reportedly would have triggered an automatic contract extension for the 2024 season if Manly had reached the top-six in 2022.
Instead the team lost their last seven games to finish the season in 11th with Hasler’s fate now reportedly sealed.
It emerged on Friday, the club has moved to install former Broncos coach Anthony Seibold as Hasler’s top assistant and future successor to the head coach position — against Hasler’s will.
Manly bosses want a succession plan in place and Hasler views Cronulla and Queensland assistant Josh Hannay as his preferred option.
On Monday evening, The Daily Telegraph released leaked emails that appeared to show Sea Eagles commercial boss Luke Tucker and Manly’s general manager of football John Bonasera were aware of the jersey design in May.
Tucker wrote in an email: “I just want to double check before production commences that we won’t have any issues with any players wearing these jerseys for this one-off game.”
Bonasera responded: “Don’t see an issue at all mate.”
Tucker elaborated: “It’s for everyone. Male, female, gay, straight, black, white, etc, etc. It’s certainly not just focused on LGBTQ.”
The Daily Telegraph reports Bonasera did not pass the information on to Hasler, with the general manager of football later apologising to the veteran coach over the communication breakdown.
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