Commentator Dan Ginnane has taken aim at Manly over their handling of the Tom Trbojevic contract saga, believing they have shown “disrespect” to their superstar.
Trbojevic is off contract with the Sea Eagles at the end of the 2026 season, with uncertainty surrounding his future beyond then.
The Daily Telegraph reporter David Riccio explained the situation on NRL 360 on Wednesday night.
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“It’s a stalemate,” Riccio said.
“A formal offer was put forward to Tom Trbojevic and his management, which wasn’t formally ratified by the Manly board.
“Then a counter offer was put forward at $300,000 less that the board were happy with.
“That has disappointed the Trbojevic camp.
“In the meantime, the UK Super League have been entertained.
“Warrington have put forward a two-year offer and we’re at this point in time.
“It’s messy.”
The Trbojevic saga comes after Manly’s season was derailed by uncertainty surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans’ future.
“Ridiculous,” Ginnane said of the Trbojevic contract bungle.
“Manly are not reliable in this area given what happened with DCE.
“Their reputation in this field is not particularly strong.
“Tom Trbojevic. If you think he’s injury prone or you think his best is behind him, you allow him to go.
“This is one of your favourite sons. The disrespect.
“That you make him an offer, and then you go to the board and reduce it.”
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Ginnane believes the situation shows Manly CEO Tony Mestrov has no authority at the club.
“So does that mean Tony Mestrov is powerless?” Ginnane asked.
“He is a puppet leader.
“If that is the case, where he can’t make a handshake deal because it’s got to go through to the board.”
Riccio believes a solution will be reached and Trbojevic will remain with the club.
“I think he stays. I see what’s unfolding here,” Riccio said.
“It’d be a PR disaster,” co-host Gorden Tallis added.
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