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Trent Barrett to take over from Geoff Toovey as Manly coach in 2016

Sea Eagles head coach Geoff Toovey will be replaced by Trent Barrett in 2016. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
28th July, 2015
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Manly have announced the news that everyone in the rugby league community expected for the last few weeks: Geoff Toovey will not be coach in 2016.

Trent Barrett will take over as Sea Eagles coach in 2016, with Manly to pay out the rest of Toovey’s deal, which was slated to run until 2016.

Manly-Warringah FC board critical of Toovey’s sacking

This marks a change in direction for the club which has taken an off-field hammering this year, and currently sits four points outside the top eight on 18 competition points.

Barrett has had coaching jobs at Country Origin and the Penrith Panthers, and this will be the former NSW player’s first head coaching role.

Manly Warringah CEO Joe Kelly thanked Toovey for his commitment to the club, a team he played 238 matches for, as well as his 41 games for the Northern Eagles.

“Geoff has been an influential figure within the Sea Eagles organisation for almost three decades. His contribution on and off the field is unprecedented, and he will always be one of the club’s favourite sons.

Chairman Scott Penn hailed Toovey as a club legend.

“Geoff is a club legend having played 286 first grade games for the Sea Eagles including three Grand Finals from 1995-97, captaining the team to the 1996 Premiership and numerous representative appearances.

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“We’ve all had the pleasure of watching his career evolve from being one of the toughest competitors on the field to coaching our first grade team in recent years.”

“Significant changes will be occurring. These changes won’t take away from the success the club has enjoyed, but will help reinforce the foundation for a successful future. We are excited about 2016 and beyond.”

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