The in-demand Trbojevic brothers will negotiate as separate entities as Manly desperately attempt to hold on to both Jake and Tom beyond 2017.

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Jake Trbojevic told Sporting News back in August that he and his brother would be prepared to split if they had to, although their preference is to stay together at Manly.

The Sea Eagles are said to be preparing a $4.5m package deal to keep both at Brookvale in the hope they re-sign before November 1.

From the start of next month, rivals clubs can approach players who are coming off contract after 2017.

"There's been talks about extending at Manly but I haven’t really thought about it to be honest," Jake told Sporting News in August.

"I'd love to stay at Manly but the way footy is these days you never know what's going to happen."

Asked if he and Tom wanted to play at the same club, Jake replied: "We'd definitely love to – it's great playing with your brother – but like I said, you never know what happens in footy."

The cashed-up Dragons will head a crowded field attempting to lure the Trbojevic's away from Manly.

Manly have jettisoned a number of players to make room under the salary cap to accommodate both players, with Jamie Buhrer the latest to be released.

Responding to reports the Dragons were set to weigh in with a $6m package deal offer for the brothers, Jake said: "I didn’t know about it until somebody texted me about it.

"It's a bit out there. (I was in) disbelief. I'm not sure where it came from."