Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran has conceded player contractual issues are afflicting the NRL competition leaders and has called for Sea Eagles management to allow centre Steve Matai to make a big money move to the Warriors.

Matai has requested a release from the final year of his current contract with Manly to take up a four-year deal with the Warriors starting next season reported to be worth around $2.5 million.

Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough also reportedly want out of their contracts at Brookvale, with Foran admitting at training on Thursday resentment still runs deep between the playing group and management over their refusal to offer Glenn Stewart a contract extension earlier this year.

Glenn Stewart, 30, has since signed with South Sydney for next year.