Manly coach Geoff Toovey has refused to confirm or deny that three of his star players have asked for a release from their contract - but has hit out at people he claims are trying to undermine the Sea Eagles.
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While centre Steve Matai has publicly stated that he asked to leave the club early and join the Warriors next year, it is understood Anthony Watmough and Brett Stewart have also expressed their desire to leave following the club’s decision to not offer Glenn Stewart a contract.
Toovey declined to speculate about the players futures.
“I don’t talk about individual contracts,” Toovey said. “As far as I know, they’ll be here next year. I can’t confirm or deny [that they’ve asked for a release]. Everyone keeps trying to bring this club down. We will continue on. This year is going extremely well for us. They are playing exceptionally well. That’s what they do best, is play football.
“I can’t guarantee I’ll be here next year. We have a quality and very successful team. I can understand why people want part of it.”
Toovey questioned if his players were being approached by rival clubs before their contracts expired.
“I don’t know if it’s legal or not,” Toovey said, “It’s a quality team full of quality players. We are doing our best to continue on having a great season.”
The side managed to brush away any off-field dramas, beating St George Illawarra 21-12 on Monday night. Skipper Jamie Lyon said the playing remained united.
“[The] mood in the playing group is fine,” Lyon said. “We are all still very close and playing for one another. It’s no distraction.”
Manly centre Steve Matai is expected to recover from a corked knee while prop Dunamis Lui is in doubt for the next game against the Warriors with a knee ligament strain.
