By Ben Talintyre

Copyright news

Trbojevic and Manly verbally agreed to a new deal on Friday, extending the Manly fullback’s stay until the end of 2029, with the contract only needing board and management approval to be finalised.

It is understood the three-year deal verbally agreed in principle was worth between $850,000 and $900,000 a season.

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But in a shocking turn of events, Manly moved the goalposts on Sunday, tabling a revised offer worth around $750,000 a year, according to Code Sports – a sizeable reduction on his current $1.1m pay packet.

It is understood that the decision to reduce the contract offer was made by the Manly board.

The Sea Eagles was ready to knock back interest from abroad to stay at his beloved Manly.

However, after the club changed the terms at the last minute, Trbojevic is now reportedly leaning towards an exit unless the original agreement is put back on the table.

But the feeling is now that Trbojevic is more likely to leave at the end of next season rather than pen a new deal, with Super League outfit Warrington Wolves the leading contenders for his signature.

There is a two-year offer from the Sam Burgess-coached Warrington Wolves for 2027 and beyond on the table for Trbojevic, according to SMH, and it is understood to be worth less than the revised Sea Eagles deal.

But such is the disappointment at Manly’s dealings that Trbojevic is seriously considering walking away from the negotiation table altogether.

If that eventuates, it would be another negotiation disaster for Manly, with the club’s determination to play hardball with Daly Cherry-Evans ultimately driving him out of the club earlier this year.

Adding to the shame is that it has never been about money for Trbojevic.

The Sea Eagles superstar has been more than willing to take a substantial pay cut given his horror run of injuries.

He even previously offered to take a $750,000 pay cut to help the club retain some of its young stars when he was sidelined with injury.

The Manly No. 1 also turned down a $30,000 payday to be the NSW Blues’ 18th man in Game 1 this year, so he was available to play for the Sea Eagles.

Trbojevic has previously said he would never play against Manly, so if he is to leave, it will almost certainly be to join a Super League club.