Manly boss Scott Penn has backed Des Hasler to save the Sea Eagles' NRL season, declaring the fallout from the pride jersey crisis won't threaten the premiership-winning coach's job.
Hasler has a rolling contract with Manly, with each finals appearance automatically triggering an automatic one-year extension further down the track.
The Manly coach is guaranteed his job until the end of 2023, meaning if the Sea Eagles fail to make the finals this year club management could theoretically look elsewhere for 2024.
Without seven of their stars who were boycotting due to the rainbow jersey, Manly's 20-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters has left them 10th on the NRL ladder.
Hasler has also spent most of the year without superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic, who has been limited seven games owing to knee and shoulder surgeries.
Regardless, Penn said Hasler's job was not in question and there was no suggestion he would not remain coach beyond next year.
"The reality is he will be there for as long as he wants to be and the team is performing," Penn told AAP.
"Technically, there is just an automatic extension based on performance for the year after that.
"But he is on contract full stop (and that) is the bottom line. It's just the club has rights if the performance isn't there.
"He is absolutely there next year. We will deal (with the years after that) in the off-season. It's not an issue."
Hasler will face one of his greatest tests this week in trying to unite Manly's squad after the seven players sat out after refusing to play in the inclusion jersey.
Friday's match against Parramatta looms as must-win, given Manly are a game behind ninth-placed Canberra, who have an easier run home.
But there is a thought the coach's position has strengthened in the past week because of his handling of the jersey crisis before the understrength Manly's gutsy effort.
Renowned for staunchly standing by his players in all circumstances, Hasler has publicly supported and apologised to the Manly seven on behalf of the club for the lack of consultation.
"We all know Des loves his players," Penn said.
"He is always trying to find an edge to get the best out of them. Which includes trying to paint the football department against the world.
"He has good form of turning situations into positive outcomes so we are hoping he can do the same."
Meanwhile, Penn urged fans not to show any disrespect to the seven players on their return against the Eels at home.
The Manly owner will be around the football club this week, while new chief executive Tony Mestrov will start Monday and likely meet with all players.
"The thing is they should go easy on them," Penn said.
"A week is a long time in football (so I'm not concerned). We just have to get a win, it's as simple as that.."
