“In a world with mobile phones and cameras someone had to take a photo of it and send it to the media.”

Gould added:“I think Manly and the Tigers are discussing perhaps a trade,or a swap,with Alex. We’ll know more next week what his intentions are,and we’ve got to decide whether that’s right for us as well.

“Alex has to decide whether that’s right for him.”

Olakau’atu would be one of the game’s most sought-after players if allowed to hit the open market,but Manly have made keeping him their top priority. Only last month,the 24-year-old Tongan international fulfilled a lifelong ambition to purchase his parents a house,in the south-western Sydney suburb of Hinchinbrook.

The Sea Eagles have already bolstered their 2024 roster with the signings of Tigers trio Luke Brooks,Tommy Talau and Aitasi James,as well as Rooster Jaxson Paulo. Those gains have been offset by the losses of Parramatta-bound Kelma Tuilagi and Canberra recruit Kaeo Weekes,while several other contracted players have been given permission to explore their options.

The club also on Thursday announced that five-eighth Jake Arthur will remain on the peninsular until the end of 2025.

He played six games for the Sea Eagles this season after leaving Parramatta in May.

“We have been very impressed with how Jake has immersed himself into our club with his work ethic and attitude to getting better,” coach Anthony Seibold said.

“Jake shows the Manly mentality everyday he comes into the building. He finished the season very strongly in first grade in the No.6 jersey.

“He has the ability to play in the halves at NRL level and gives us depth and competition for spots in that position,but we also feel he has some versatility in his game that would enable him to play in the forwards as a ball-playing utility.”

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