There will be the usual denials, but there is a far greater challenge for Des Hasler and the Sea Eagles than luring Kieran Foran back to the northern beaches.
There is a rather long shadow being cast over the playing group by Trent Barrett. Manly’s management and Hasler will be trying to sell the club to two players who before this year seemed certainties to play out their careers with the Sea Eagles.
Jake and Tom Trbojevic grew up playing for the Mona Vale Raiders and dreaming of playing for Manly. Their love of the club was almost detrimental to their careers as rival clubs knew they would never leave. They signed four-year deals a couple of seasons back and gave no genuine indication they had ever looked elsewhere.
In past years, Jake would never have said a negative word about the club. But in recent times that has changed. He has been outspoken in his support for Barrett. And he wants to be coached by Barrett again in the future. This is not spin coming from the Barrett camp.
Tom feels the same. We’re sure Hasler can work his magic and get the brothers onside, but it is just another problem he needs to tackle – and he needs to do it as a priority.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/af...t-s-not-just-about-money-20181103-p50duf.html