Jamie Buhrer – the man slated to replace the departing Glenn Stewart – has hit out at suggestions that his contract negotiations have led to divisions among the other players.
While the 24-year-old is yet to officially extend his time at Manly, negotiations are so far advanced that it is now a near formality that Buhrer will remain at the club for another three years. Buhrer has become an unwanted middle man in the split between players and management after Stewart was not offered a contract at Manly.
It is understood that some players were upset that Buhrer and Jesse Sene-Lefao were in the midst of being retained but Stewart would be forced to join South Sydney next season.
Buhrer – who is close friends with halfback Daly Cherry-Evans – rubbished the idea that he had been targeted by his Manly teammates.
“First and foremost I haven't officially been signed to the club," Buhrer said. "Secondly, I haven't found it necessary to address i[my contract] with any of the players.
"I haven't felt any angst or anything untoward at this club, the vibe when we get in here hasn't changed since I first came in. We seem to read that there is something negative in the playing group but that is far from the truth.
"The playing group is as tight as ever and we are showing that with our results.
"I am with these guys every day. Just because I read something in the paper doesn't mean that it is necessarily true. If I felt there was an issue it would be something I would bring up but I can honestly say that I haven't felt there is an issue so I won't.
"We just have to get on with the job and we have done that so far.”
An avid Manly fan as a child, he rejected a lucrative offer to secure an early release from Manly and join Parramatta this year. It is now expected that he will fill the No.13 jersey vacated by Stewart full-time next season. The former NSW representative will again play lock for Manly against Brisbane on Friday night.
Buhrer said he was concerned for his future as negotiations with Stewart played out in the media.
“You always worry about your future but it has always been a matter of playing footy,” Buhrer said. “As long as I was playing good football then it was something the club and my management would sort out.
"[My manager] is in the process of doing his job. If Manly see fit to want me around longer then they will speak to my manager about it. That's how the business goes. They aren't things that play on my mind too much.
"I have been playing some decent footy so I'm not too worried. I love this club. I have made no secret that I have always been a fan of the club as a kid. I am quite confident I will be at the club for a while."
Buhrer celebrated his 100th top grade game for the club earlier this year.
