I have a different slightly different view.
DCE vented his frustration with inept coach Seibold to Mestrov. As did the Turbo brothers and " other " senior players last year.
After this player led discussion, Mestrov and Penn gave Seibold a 2 year extension and basically said, fuuck u, we know best.
Why?
How many other clubs were trying to sign Seibold? ZERO.
DCE then asked for a release from his contract as he doesn't want to be coached by Spoonbold as he wants to win a comp.
Release rejected.
No offer at any stage for 2026 until DCE foolishly goes on Channel 9 to announce he is leaving Manly. Mestrov then rings NRL360 with a Clayton's 2 year offer to save face, although they knew DCE would not take it.
Yes, it would have been a lot better to have made the announcement in club colours with Mestrov & Seibold - however the relationship with Mestrov seems to be toxic at best so it may have not been an option - in DCE'S mind at least.
DCE probably naively that telling the world way in advance would allow Manly to get another half - which we have.
However the fallout after that he would have never anticipated.
The rest is history.
Amazingly Mestrov has seemingly gone to ground and missed a lot of valid criticism of his entire management of this sorry mess.