It is understood Barrett has all but agreed to shift from the foot of the mountains to Manly from 2016, although his tenure could begin much earlier if Toovey is prepared to walk. As revealed by Fairfax Media last week, Sea Eagles powerbrokers had earmarked Barrett as their long-term coach and had been secretly negotiating with him for more than two months. While Toovey is contracted until the end of 2016, he has lost the support of influential figures behind the scenes.

Toovey has compiled a formidable 58 per cent winning record since taking over in difficult circumstances from Des Hasler in 2012, leading the side to three consecutive finals appearances, including a grand final.

However, a poor start to the season, which has left them in last place prior to Saturday night's clash with North Queensland, has given officials the ammunition they need to spear the legendary former player and life member.

Barrett is currently an assistant to Ivan Cleary at Penrith and also the head coach of Country Origin. While he remains under contract, the Panthers won't stand in the way of his ambition of becoming a first-grade head coach.

The only possible sticking point in Barrett's move to the Northern Beaches revolves around the future of Daly Cherry-Evans. The Maroons playmaker has signed a four-year deal with the Gold Coast but has until round 13 to backflip on the decision and stay put. It's understood Barrett -  himself a representative playmaker during stints with the Steelers, Dragons and Sharks - is reluctant to dive into a head coaching position unless he has a quality halfback to work with. To that end, the Sea Eagles are desperately trying to retain Cherry-Evans by upping their offer to match the four-year deal he accepted to move to the holiday strip.

Barrett is close to league Immortal Bob Fulton, who was recently appointed as Manly's "strategic football consultant", from their time together in representative teams. Toovey is also close with his old coach but it appears their relationship won't be enough to spare him from the axe.

Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly has publicly guaranteed Toovey will see out his contract on numerous occasions, a message that has been contradicted by chairman Scott Penn.

"I've been consistent from the day I started at the club, and I got asked the question before I started at the club about Geoff's tenure as head coach – Geoff's got a two-year contract. I absolutely expect to honour that two-year contract," Kelly said at a recent address to members.

"I have no intentions of doing anything otherwise than seeing Geoff honour that two-year contract."

However, it is understood officials were banking on the side losing away matches to the Cowboys and Broncos - as well as retaining Cherry-Evans - to justify the handover to Barrett.