Tom Trbojevic's future at Manly has been thrown into doubt after contract negotiations with the Sea Eagles have reportedly begun to spiral.
Just days ago, reports suggested that Trbojevic was set to sign a three-year extension worth about $2.5 million to stay on the Northern Beaches until the end of 2029.
The Sydney Morning Herald are now reporting that the deal appears in jeopardy. Powerbrokers at the club have shifted the terms of their offer, leaving one of Manly's favourite sons deeply unimpressed.
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Despite his injury battles, Trbojevic remains the heartbeat of the Sea Eagles. Yet he's grown frustrated with the club's direction after missing the finals in three of the past four seasons.
He appeared to have a new deal secured and even turned down overseas interest. But when reports of his imminent re-signing emerged, Manly revised their offer - slashing it by about $100,000 per season.
If the 28-year-old's past is anything to go by, it's not likely that money is the issue given that he's previously offered to take a significant pay cut to alleviate the club's salary cap pressure.
It seems more likely that the shift in negotiations has left him questioning Manly's commitment after more than a decade of service.
Sea Eagles fans will be anxiously watching as negotiations teeter. The club, already fractured, can't afford another high-profile departure.
For now, Trbojevic remains contracted through 2026, which allows rival clubs to open talks from November 1.
He's long insisted that he would never wear another NRL jersey, but if Manly continue down this turbulent path, even the club's most loyal soldier may be forced to reconsider.