"I can't speak on behalf of everyone, but the coach has my support 100 per cent. "People might be scratching their heads about the decisions he's making and the questions he's asking of the people who make decisions at this club. But I still support him. I probably know a bit more than everyone else because we have such a great relationship. As a player, I know what he's trying to do and he's doing it for the right reasons, and he has my full support. "I know we have the coach who needs to be here for a long time. When people allude to him not being here, it really disappoints me.'' Cherry-Evans said he hoped Barrett would see out the remaining two years of his deal, but said ''when there's smoke there's usually fire in rugby league''. Fairfax Media understands if Barrett does walk, his assistant, John Cartwright, will not follow him out the door after he recently signed a two-year extension. He is unlikely to join Ricky Stuart as an assistant in Canberra, as has been rumoured.

"Maybe I'm naive to the situation and hope Trent stays,'' Cherry-Evans said. "It doesn't change my support for him whether he stays or he goes. "Trent has been more insightful with me than he has with the media and the public, and there are legalities around it. Even knowing what I know, I have all the support in the world for my coach and what he has done for us. "Trent Hodkinson said during the week he hadn't been here for 10 years and things hadn't changed much, other than the playing group. That's a little insight to what is happening or not happening around here.'' Friday night's loss was cruel for Manly as the Gold Coast Titans posted 36 unanswered points to ruin the club's final home game of the season at Brookvale Oval. A large section of the paltry crowd of 6382 started heading for the exit 20 minutes before full-time.

Cherry-Evans made a point of thanking the supporters and was still signing autographs and posing for photos 90 minutes after full-time. One of the most diplomatic players in the game, Cherry-Evans caught a few by surprise when he volunteered at the post-match press conference how frustrated he was by what had unfolded at the northern beaches club in recent weeks. It is well known chief executive Lyall Gorman is not the most popular person at the club. The playing group is unhappy with his lack of public support for Barrett, particularly surrounding the coach's decision to snub Jackson Hastings from first grade the remainder of the season. "I don't want anyone to think I'm not here trying to win footy games because that's what I'm paid to do, and that's what I love doing,'' Cherry-Evans said. "I'll address those games first. Then I'll certainly be more than happy to get a bit more insightful about how I feel about how things are being run around here. "I know I will definitely come to the defence of my coach.''

Cherry-Evans' deal runs through to the end of 2023 and, even though there appears no sign Manly will be a premiership threat in the next couple of years, he says has never thought about walking away from the club. Loading "And I don't think another club would think to approach me based on how my contract is situated,'' Cherry-Evans said with a smile. "I'd be absolutely flattered if they did approach me, but as for my want, I have two more games this season, I'll have a break, get refreshed and hit the ground running next year.'' The Sea Eagles risk collecting the wooden spoon for the first time in the proud club's 71-year history. They have the short turnaround to Thursday night's game against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown, followed by the Broncos in Brisbane.

Barrett will see out the final two games as he and the Sea Eagles negotiate a payout. He is at long odds to stick around until 2020.