TRENT Barrett has refused to reveal his future at Manly, citing legal reasons but hinting an announcement could be made as early as Thursday afternoon.

It was reported earlier this week Barrett has already resigned from his role and will walk away from the Sea Eagles as soon as the current season ends.

He refused to deny those reports when fronting media on Thursday, breaking his silence on the bombshell that will leave the northern beaches club without a coach.

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Round 20

Barrett was visibly frustrated that he’s been instructed not to speak specifically about the matter, but reading between the lines it appears the reports are most likely correct.

“For legal reasons I can’t answer those sort of questions today,” Barrett said.

“I would certainly like to be able to. That time will come but today’s not going to be the day.

“(Club CEO) Lyall (Gorman) is probably the one to answer these questions for you.

“Out of respect for the club I don’t want to sit here and say too much today, and I have been told by the club the legalities around it all that I won’t be commenting on it.”

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Barrett is contracted to the club for a further two seasons and said that’s how it stands at the moment. When asked if he will be coaching the Sea Eagles in 2019 he answered; “yes, as I stand here today (I will be)”.

Barrett admits he is frustrated about being gagged by legalities, but hopes to clear the air sooner rather than later.

In fact an announcement on his future could be made on Thursday afternoon.

“Hopefully this afternoon, tomorrow … I’m not sure,” he said.

“I would like it out in the open and so would the club, but I understand the club has got a lot of loose ends to tie up and a lot of people to look after.

“The last thing I want to do is hurt the club.

“I haven’t enjoyed the last few days. The sooner we can all get some clarity on it I can tell you all.”

Surprisingly, Barrett claims he hasn’t been in contact with any other rugby league club about a potential job.

That’s despite reports Penrith have been speaking to their former assistant coach about returning to the club.

If Barrett has quit, he’s done so with no job lined up to walk in to.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone. It’s a delicate situation, I want to be a head coach for a long time and that’s something I will consider when we clear up a few things here,” Barrett said.

Barrett used his media appearance to apologise to Manly fans, who have been kept in the dark about their coach’s future.

A bizarre press release issued by the club on Wednesday only made things more confusing.

“I understand their frustrations,” he said.

“I apologise. It’s out of my hands to be honest, and you have to understand I can’t say anything at this minute.

“It will become clearer when we do.”