The Sea Eagles' 2022 campaign imploded following the pride jersey saga in round 20, when seven players refused to wear a jumper aimed at showing solidarity with the LGBTQI community.

The future of Hasler as head coach has come under fresh scrutiny following their string of bad results, as has Cherry-Evans's relationship with Trbojevic.

Trbojevic is seen as the Sea Eagles' spiritual leader but reports have emerged that he and Cherry-Evans aren't on speaking terms.

Cherry-Evans hit back at those claims, arguing it was a "cop-out" when the club was travelling in the wrong direction.

"When clubs like us come under scrutiny, I reckon (rumours of player feuds) are sort of a cop-out," he told the Nine Network's Sunday Footy Show.

"It's an easy thing to just come at the playing group and pick apart relationships and friendships.

"Myself and Jake are fine. We are fine and I'm happy to go on the record with that and I'm sure Jake would as well.

"As the year finished, do not get me wrong, with seven (losses) in a row, there was definitely frustration and disappointment among the playing group but never to the point where people weren't talking to each other."

Manly were poised to finish in the top eight before the pride jersey saga but there torrid run has lumped fresh pressure on Hasler.

The Sea Eagles have been in talks with his management this week about him ceding control of certain aspects of his football staff.

Hasler is said to be resistant to such changes, inviting suggestions that he may opt against coaching the club in 2023.

But Cherry-Evans said the veteran coach would be loathe to end his coaching career on a sour note.

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't see out the last year (2023) of his contract," Cherry-Evans said.

"I don't think Des would want to finish his coaching career on what has just happened this year.

"He is too successful as a coach for this to be the end."

Australian Associated Press