Manly's season won't cost Hasler: Penn

Hasler has a rolling contract with Manly, with each finals appearance automatically triggering an automatic one-year extension further down the track.

The Manly coach is guaranteed his job until the end of 2023, meaning if the Sea Eagles fail to make the finals this year club management could theoretically look elsewhere for 2024.

Without seven of their stars who were boycotting due to the rainbow jersey, Manly's 20-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters has left them 10th on the NRL ladder.

Hasler has also spent most of the year without superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic, who has been restricted to seven games by knee and shoulder surgeries.

Regardless, Penn said Hasler's job was not in question and there was no suggestion he would not be coach beyond next year.

"The reality is he will be there for as long as he wants to be and the team is performing," Penn told AAP.

"Technically, there is just an automatic extension based on performance for the year after that.

"But he is on contract full stop, is the bottom line. It's just the club has rights if the performance isn't there.

"He is absolutely there next year. We will deal (with the years after that) in the off-season. It's not an issue."

Hasler will face one of his greatest tests this week in trying to unite Manly's squad after the seven players refused to play in the inclusion jersey.

Friday's match against Parramatta looms as a must-win, given Manly are a game behind ninth-placed Canberra, who have an easier run home.

But many believe the coach's position has strengthened because of his handling of the jersey crisis before his understrength side's courageous effort against the Roosters.

Renowned for staunchly standing by his players in all circumstances, Hasler has publicly supported and apologised to the Manly seven on behalf of the club for the lack of consultation.

"We all know Des loves his players," Penn said.

"He is always trying to find an edge to get the best out of them. Which includes trying to paint the football department against the world.

"He has good form of turning situations into positive outcomes so we are hoping he can do the same."

Meanwhile, Penn urged fans not to show any disrespect to the seven players on their return against the Eels at home.

The Manly chairman and owner will be around the football club this week, while new chief executive Tony Mestrov will start Monday and likely meet with all players.

"The thing is they should go easy on them," said Penn, while adding he was not too concerned about a potential backlash.

"A week is a long time in football. We just have to get a win, it's as simple as that.."

Australian Associated Press