It is understood the embattled coach will make way for Penrith assistant Trent Barrett from next year. Fairfax Media believes it is unlikely Barrett will take over immediately, with Toovey expected to see the year out.

It is understood Toovey has been told he will not be head coach beyond the end of the year. Sources close to the club say some players have also been told.

Steve Matai appeared to let the cat out of the bag during an interview in The Australian when he seemed resigned to the fact that Toovey would not be in charge of the side in 2016.

"It is the unknown, which is nerve-racking," Matai said. "New coach – we hear Trent Barrett is coming. That's nerve-racking not knowing what he is like and not knowing what sort of coach he is. Whereas with Tooves, we knew how he was because he had been there with Dessie [Hasler]. The transition was seamless.

"New players coming in, new positions. At the same time, it is exciting for us older blokes, but it is nerve-racking as well. I hope he can stay on in a role. I hope that he can stay here at the club and have some role here."

But despite Matai's hopes the popular Toovey would stay at Brookvale, it is understood he does not want to stay at the club as anything other than head coach. Toovey wants to be paid out in full, while the Sea Eagles are hopeful of finding another role for him within the club.

Former Titans mentor John Cartwright is expected to be Barrett's assistant, while Melbourne's Anthony Seibold could also join the club's football staff.

Sources close to the Sea Eagles say Barrett has helped with players who have been signed by Manly. The club's finals hopes were dashed following the loss to North Queensland on Monday night.

Fourteen players, including Feleti Mateo, Justin Horo, Luke Burgess, Willie Mason and Matt Ballin, have been told to look elsewhere for next season, despite many having at least one more year on their contract.

Toovey, who is in New Zealand preparing for the Sea Eagles' round-20 clash with the Warriors, said talk of players being unwanted can be "unsettling".

"The club doesn't comment on that sort of thing, it is speculation, but it is unsettling for the players," he said.

"But we're focused on winning the game. It doesn't matter what the club does, all we can do as football players and coaches is try to win matches and if we're winning matches that makes our purpose right."

Fairfax Media reported on Thursday that Toovey would be offered a role as the club's talent scout in Fiji.

"I don't know where that's come from," he said. "I know nothing about that."

Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to play on Saturday despite injuring his shoulder against the Cowboys.

"He re-inflamed an injury, but he'll be fine to play," Toovey said. "He's come through training OK, we've got a run tomorrow and ... if he gets through that he'll be in the team."