Anthony Seibold has launched an impassioned defence of Jake Trbojevic, labelling him the Sea Eagles' spiritual leader and best defensive forward.
After days of questions around Trbojevic's future in the NRL, Seibold also suggested that the 32-year-old's stats sheet was not particularly relevant.
Two games into his return from concussions last year, Trbojevic has agreed to terms with Manly for a one-year extension into 2027.
But the former NSW State of Origin captain has confirmed he is still weighing up his future, and has until round 10 to activate the contract.
Both Tom and Ben Trbojevic leapt to the defence of their brother this week, whose form has come under fire from some quarters.
The lock ran for 23 metres against Newcastle in round two and critics have pointed to the fact he has not broken a tackle since round 12, 2024.
But Seibold suggested on Wednesday that didn't tell the full story.
"He's made over 80 tackles in the first two games. He's our defensive leader," Seibold said.
"There's been a little bit of talk around stats, but what people can't measure is what he brings to the group. He's someone that, in many respects, he's like that spiritual sort of leader in our group.
"He's been our best forward from a defensive point of view and a work rate point of view."
Seibold also suggested that Trbojevic's attacking statistics were a result of him playing as a distributor in the middle of the field.
"He does a fantastic job as a middle service player. That's where he brings great benefit to us," the Manly coach said.
"He's not like some other players where it's all about stats and metres and so on.
"Where he adds value to us is his organisation through the middle of the park, his defensive attributes. His work rate off the footy is exceptional."
With Siua Taukeiaho likely to miss another two games with a calf strain, young prop Simione Laiafi could debut off the bench against the Sydney Roosters.
The 19-year-old is edging closer to a contract extension, while Seibold also insisted he was doing the right thing by fellow teen Joey Walsh and leaving the young half in NSW Cup.
"It's about the next 10 or 12 years with Joey," Seibold said.
"What we don't want to do is put him in too early. And we need to get in some good touch as well to make sure we bring him into a team that's in good form."
