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Have Manly released the worst NRL statement of all time?

The Manly Sea Eagles have been slammed for putting out one of the worst press releases of all time, in response to the uncertainty around coach Trent Barrett.

Manly have refused to confirm whether Barrett will remain at the NRL club next season after a day of speculation surrounding his future.

Tuesday night reports surfaced that Barrett is ready to walk from the Sea Eagles at the end of the year, citing a lack of resources promised to him by the club.

Manly responded on Wednesday by releasing only a brief statement about the matter.

“The club is addressing the matters which have been the subject of recent public speculation in relation to its head coach, Trent Barrett, and does not intend to make any further statement at this time,” it read.

Manly have refused to confirm whether or not Barrett is leaving at the end of the season. Pic: Getty
Manly have refused to confirm whether or not Barrett is leaving at the end of the season. Pic: Getty

“The club’s focus remains on ensuring the best possible finish to the 2018 NRL season on behalf of its playing group, members, fans, corporate partners, owners and its community at large.

“A full statement will be made at the appropriate time.”

The vague response didn’t go down well with fans, with many taking the opportunity to ridicule the embattled club.

Barrett is set to bear the full brunt of questions over his future on Thursday when he faces the media before Friday’s final home game against the Gold Coast.

The 12th-placed Sea Eagles have endured a horror season off the field, including the fall-out of their ill-fated Gladstone trip and preliminary punishments for salary cap breaches.

They are set to learn in the next month whether they are able to appeal the $330,000 stricken off both this year and next year’s caps, as a result of breaches dating back five years.

Barrett’s concerns are believed to relate largely to the lack of support given to the football department.

While a new football manager was employed last month, the club are still searching for a new recruitment manager, assistant accountant, pathways coach and potentially a new director of football position.

Chairman Scott Penn is currently overseas, and the matter has largely been left to chief executive Lyall Gorman who failed to respond when contacted by AAP on Wednesday.

With AAP