Kristie Fulton speaks out amid furore over sacking at Manly

Kristie Fulton, former Manly staffer and daughter of rugby league Immortal and club great Bob Fulton, issued a subtle parting shot at the Sea Eagles after being unceremoniously sacked post-season.

The former head of Manly's elite pathways program is one of a number of stuff to be shown the door under the instruction of newly hired chief executive Tony Mestrov.

TELLING: Anthony Griffin at centre of shock reveal amid debacle at Dragons

'GRABBED MY B***S': Rugby League star's ugly World Cup claim

Accusations of bullying surfaced around Fulton following her dismissal, which came just days after the club formally sacked coach Des Hasler.

In a statement announcing her departure from the club, the Sea Eagles wished Fulton 'all the best', but it was her accompanying comments that have raised eyebrows.

Some have interpreted Fulton's comments, pointing out how many current Sea Eagles players have come through the elite pathway program under her watch, as a jab at the club.

Fulton reportedly warned Sea Eagles officials of the potential consequences of their otherwise well-intentioned pride jersey, which resulted in seven players boycotting the idea and a rift emerging among players.

In contention for finals at the time of the controversy, the Sea Eagles went on to lose seven consecutive games to close out the season in 11th place.

”I was brought into the club to help execute a vision for a strong and thriving pathways,” Fulton said.

“There are currently 16 players within the Manly Sea Eagles NRL squad who have come from the Manly Sea Eagles junior system, most of who graduated from the program I managed.

“I take great pride in supporting the players and their families and I look forward to seeing many more Manly pathways players achieve their dream of playing in the NRL in years to come.”

It was revealed in the weeks after the pride fiasco erupted that players had not been consulted about wearing the jersey before the club proceeded with marketing the one-off rainbow strip.

The Fulton name will keep a presence at Manly in 2023, with Scott Fulton retained as head of recruiting, while Zac Fulton signed a two-year extension to keep playing for the club towards season's end.

Manly's decision on Kristie Fulton lashed by Ray Hadley

Popular Sydney broadcaster Ray Hadley has slammed the Sea Eagles over what he labelled the "unforgivable" treatment of Fulton.

Hadley was a close friend of Fulton's father Bob and has savaged Manly for their treatment of the club legend's daughter.

The veteran rugby league caller claimed on his 2GB radio program that Fulton was “marched out of the Manly offices" shortly after being terminated for "allegedly bullying someone".

He claims Fulton was afforded no formal warning and did not meet with HR before she was unceremoniously sacked.

“She was marched off the premises like she had stolen money from the petty cash tin," Hadley said.

“How is it that a capable, highly intelligent young woman is marched out the door when her father’s name adorns the grandstand at Manly?

“Is anyone at Manly inquiring into Kristie’s mental health? No doubt, (club owner) Scott Penn isn’t, he’s probably winging his way back to the US, already there.

“Employers have the right to hire and fire but under workplace laws, they must do so in a lawful way.”

Hadley went on to claim that Fulton had raised concerns about the rainbow jersey fiasco that was ultimately credited with destroying Manly's finals hopes and ending Hasler's second stint as Sea Eagles coach.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.