POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR MANLY'S NEXT NRL COACH
* DES HASLER
Built the Manly empire when he took the club to the finals in every season between 2005 and 2011 with two premierships to his name, before his unceremonious exit to Canterbury. Would have to mend some bridges after owner Scott Penn sacked him in 2011 for "systematic poaching, or discussions with staff" for which Hasler threatened legal action. Also had a tough end to his tenure at Canterbury before applying for the Kiwi job this year.
* GEOFF TOOVEY
Club legend and fan favourite who was sacked after missing the finals just once in his fourth season as coach. Was seemingly the victim of board and player in-fighting after he was put on notice before the start of his ill-fated 2015 season, where the Sea Eagles finished ninth. Is out of coaching work and has said he'd put an application in.
* JOHN CARTWRIGHT
Current Manly assistant who has plenty of coaching experience at the Gold Coast between 2007 and 2014. Has been Barrett's right-hand man since he started at the club in 2016. Has been linked to Penrith this year - a move that has been denied by the Panthers - but questions could be asked on whether he would follow Barrett out the door.
* NEIL HENRY
Another former Gold Coast coach linked to the Sea Eagles. Things ended poorly at the Titans amid the Jarryd Hayne drama, but Henry is known for his ability to make things work with underrated talent. Took outsiders Canberra and the Gold Coast to finals series and kickstarted North Queensland's run with three straight September appearances before his departure.
* MICHAEL MAGUIRE
Took the Kiwis job earlier this year after being sacked by South Sydney, but appears the pick of the options for all clubs looking for a new coach. His hard-working attitude had an immediate impact on the Rabbitohs with their drought-breaking premiership, and clubs down the bottom of the ladder could do a lot worse. There is however some suggestion he has already turned down the role.
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