Skipper Jamie Lyon admits some of his Manly teammates "are a little bit angry" with club management but remain galvanised for a tilt at the NRL title.
The Sea Eagles have been forced to endure increasing speculation about dressing-room disharmony since centre Steve Matai revealed he'd asked for a release to take up a lucrative deal with the Warriors.
NSW State of Origin star Anthony Watmough refused the chance to hose down rumours he wanted to leave while Brett Stewart has reportedly requested he be allowed to follow his brother Glenn out the door.
Five-eighth Kieran Foran confirmed the club's refusal to offer Glenn Stewart a contract had resulted in a number of players growing disappointed with management.
Lyon on Friday conceded some Sea Eagles were upset that teammates were chasing big contract upgrades when other senior players had previously spurned large offers.
"There might have been a few boys a little bit angry but everyone's not going to be happy all the time in any workplace," he said before the side's departure to Auckland for Sunday's clash with the Warriors.
"I don't think there's an issue and everyone's starting to move on now ... I don't think we care too much; it's business as usual."
While Foran said Matai should be granted a release by club bosses, Lyon hoped his fellow centre stayed.
"I'm 50-50 on Steve," Lyon said.
"He's such a great mate as well and such a very good player.
"I'd like to see him play from a selfish point of view, just to keep him in our team.
"But I can see where he's coming from as well. He's getting a little bit older.
"But I'm just going off rumours that he's got a good opportunity over there (in New Zealand).
"But I'll sit on the fence on that one."
Despite the latest distraction, the Sea Eagles remain two points clear of Penrith at the top of the NRL ladder and premiership favourites.
Coach Geoff Toovey insisted the back-room dramas at Brookvale were no different to what was going on at every other club and said he was proud of his charges for sticking tight.
"It's a great culture here at the club," he said.
"It's very successful and we'll remain successful.
"We've got a great group of players here and hopefully we'll continue on playing good football and hopefully winning the competition this year."
Asked if he believed the episode had affected Matai, Toovey said: "I think Steve is playing exceptional football and he'll remain playing exceptional football."
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