Brown said he had been in constant contact with Barrett with the pair to join forces with a new-look Sea Eagles side next season. Barrett was officially unveiled as the Sea Eagles long-term coach, with the new mentor and Brown joining Manly on three-year deals.

Brown's departure from Penrith will also end his long-term relationship with Cleary. Brown has been coached in the top grade by Cleary for all but one of his seven years in the NRL, playing one season at the Warriors before following Cleary to Penrith.

Brown said he sees a lot similarities in the coaching style of Barrett and Cleary.

"They are quite similar," Brown said. "They are my type of coaches. They are approachable and make you want to play for them. Obviously Trent has been under Ivan [at Penrith] but he is going to branch off. It's a great thing for Trent.

"It's a bit sad leaving Ivan. I've played under him for a long time. He has taught me so much and I'm looking forward to finishing the season off on a good note."

While Barrett has officially parted ways with the Panthers, Brown has kept in touch with Barrett who will replace Geoff Toovey at season's end.

Brown said he texted Barrett "as a friend" during the week.

"Trent Barrett is a great bloke," Brown said. "It is good to see him get the role. I think he deserves it. He is a great coach. I've been around him a bit the last few years and he has taught me a lot. I'm looking forward to playing under him but my job isn't finished here [at Penrith]. Hopefully I'm putting the best [performances] in my next two months at the Panthers to finish off my career here."

Brown will join a new-look Manly forward pack which includes Penrith teammate Api Koroisau and Titans captain Nate Myles. Brown said Barrett is a player the team will rally around.

"He is a man's man," Brown said. "He is very open and approachable. Very knowledgeable. He was a great player and the way he put things into perspective, when he speaks everyone listens.

"When you get a coach like that you have players that want to play for you and I'm excited to play underneath him."

Panthers back-rower Bryce Cartwright also praised Barrett for the role he played in helping shape his career.

"He is a great bloke to have around," Cartwright said. "He is really smart and he gets through to the players really well. He communicates really well.

"He helped my pre-game. There was a patch where I was struggling to play decent footy and he told me not to worry too much on game day or before a game. He would do video sessions with me and tell me to back my self and make sure I'm playing smart.

"He is still just one phone call away and I still chat to him."