Manly players assured Barrett not going anywhere

Manly players have rejected claims Trent Barrett is weighing up his future with the Sea Eagles coach holding a meeting with the squad on Thursday morning.

Channel Nine reported on Wednesday night Barrett had met with his manager Wayne Beavis to discuss his options after a turmoil period at the club.

The Sea Eagles are languishing in 13th position on the Telstra Premiership but it is off-field drama that has been taking its toll with minimal relief in sight on the Northern Beaches.

News of Barrett's potential exit came as a surprise to Manly hooker Api Koroisau on Thursday.

"I didn't find out anything until they pulled me into the briefing," Koroisau said.

"I didn't hear anything about him leaving so it was surprising. He's been himself and I'm full of confidence he's not going anywhere. He said he's not going anywhere and it's not like Baz to run away.

"It's huge, to know he has our backs and is staying is big for us.

"[The briefing] was mostly about sticking together, we've had a rough month. The only people that are going to get us out are ourselves.

"We've got to make sure our focus is being a team and sticking together. If it doesn't bring you closer it will tear you apart."

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles received a boost in time for Sunday's clash against the Roosters with Moses Suli promoted to the top 30 squad and cleared of a return by the NRL.

• Roosters v Sea Eagles preview

Jackson Hastings was named on Tuesday in the 21-man squad but has not trained with the side all week with the Sea Eagles set to stick with Dylan Walker at five-eighth to cover the loss of Lachlan Croker.

It's not the first time Walker has played in the six jersey with the former Rabbitohs centre experimenting in the role in 2016.

"There's nothing he can't do, he's looking sharp there," Koroisau said of Walker.

"It has a lot to do with the individual themselves and the mindset and Dylan is more than capable of the role. Our structures are a lot different [to 2016], as long as he just runs that's all we need."

Sea Eagles back-rower Frank Winterstein said Suli was ready for a return.

Winterstein has watched Suli's comeback first hand through feeder team the Blacktown Sea Eagles since the centre joined Manly in March.

"He's worked hard and put in the work," Winterstein said.

"They've had him doing extra training and he's put in great performances for the ISP team. He was a big boy and lost some kilograms.

"He's a young kid so full of confidence. Since he's been here I haven't seen any attitude problems with Moses. He's enjoying his time here and we're going to see the best of him this year."