Manly Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett has spoken for the first time since his reported resignation from the club.
The Daily Telegraph's Paul Kent revealed on Tuesday night that Barrett had filed his resignation, and unfortunately, the man at the helm of the playing group couldn't clarify his position any further, surely infuriating the Manly faithful.
"For legal reasons, I can't answer comment on that. I'd certainly like to be able to, that time will come, but it's not going to be today," Barrett told reporters on Thursday.
"Lyall is the one to answer the questions, but out of respect to the club, I don't want to sit here and say too much today.
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"As I stand here today, I am coaching the team next year.
"I'd like to be able to go into it, I don't like getting out here at eight in the morning when I've got nothing to say. But, when the dust settles and we sort things out at our end and the club's end, I'll be able to talk.
"I can absolutely understand everyone's frustrations, and I've got a game to prepare for."
Some of the journalists hounding Barrett began to get irritated at the lack of information being given.
"Trent, how can you expect the fans to turn up and pay their hard-earned money when the club won't tell them what's going on?" one journo asked.
"You'd have to ask Lyall and the club..." Barrett responded before being cut off.
"We have asked him, but he won't talk. No one will talk, no one will say anything, it's a joke."
"Yeah, I apologise. It's out of my hands, to be honest, and for the reasons I've just said I can't say anything."
As the questions turned to the Sea Eagles' playing group and how they were coping with the drama, Barrett went into bat for those actually taking the field.
"The players are in the loop, we've got a very solid playing group in there and our main focus is to win out next three games," Barrett said.
"Again, I don't feel great about standing here and not being able to say anything.
"It's not the players' fault. You've got players in there that are extremely passionate about the club.
"Outside of one or two performances this year we've been very competitive."
Clearly, the media wasn't getting any of the answers they wanted and had to ask Barrett the most general of questions, such as, "Trent, is the ball in your hands, is it up to you what happens from here?"
"Yes," Barrett responded.
"Coaching is a difficult job at any club, but I've loved every minute of coaching, and I've loved every minute of doing what I'm paid to do.
"I'm really lucky to have a really good playing squad. Our last six weeks of footy has been really good.
"Hopefully things will be clarified this afternoon or tomorrow. I'd like it out in the open, as would the club."
There has been continued speculation about Barrett's 2019 plans if he does indeed leave the Sea Eagles, and the 40-year-old revealed that he hadn't spoken to anyone.
"There isn't any plan for next year," Barrett said.
"As I sit here, I'm still contracted at the club for next year.
"First and foremost I want to sort out what's going on here. I haven't enjoyed the last few days, so the sooner we all get some clarity on it the better.
"The last thing we want to do is hurt the football club, it's a great club.
"I haven't spoken to other clubs, it's a delicate situation.
"I do want to be a head coach for a long time, and that's something I'll worry about when we can clear up a few things here."
Many believe that at the top of Barrett's list of frustrations with the club are its facilities or lack thereof, but the coach refuted that claim.
"I've read some of the things written about the gym and facilities, but, our gym is fine," Barrett said.
"We re-built the gym when I got here. Narrabeen is a wonderful place for us to train.
"A lot of the things that have been written aren't correct."
How was the current Sea Eagles head coach dealing with the last week?
"It's been difficult, but, we all know what to expect when you come into the job," Barrett said.
"I'm alright, I think I'm handling everything okay. The biggest thing for me is that we win football games."
On Wednesday, the Sea Eagles refused to directly respond to the reports that Barrett had resigned.
1/2: Manly statement on Trent Barrett: "The club is addressing the matters which have been the subject of recent public speculation in relation to its Head Coach, Trent Barrett, and does not intend to make any further statement at this time."
— Adam Lucius (@Lush178) August 15, 2018
2/2: "The club’s focus remains on ensuring the best possible finish to the 2018 NRL season on behalf of its playing group, members, fans, corporate partners,
— Adam Lucius (@Lush178) August 15, 2018
owners and its community at large."
"The club’s focus remains on ensuring the best possible finish to the 2018 NRL season on behalf of its playing group, members, fans, corporate partners, owners and its community at large," a statement read.
"The club’s focus remains on ensuring the best possible finish to the 2018 NRL season on behalf of its playing group, members, fans, corporate partners, owners and its community at large."
See our full coverage of the coaching dramas at Manly below.
Barrett threatens to walk: Sea Eagles coach wants changes.
Coach still has players' support: DCE comes out to bat for Barrett.
Manly coach resigns: Report comes through
Barrett back to Penrith: Could Trent go back to where it all began?
Brandy accuses Manly of leak: Penrith denies interest in Barrett.
Sea Eagles eye replacement: Former Souths premiership-winner viewed as perfect coach.
Facilities not as bad as Barrett thinks: Zorba hits back.
