Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold fronted the media on Thursday ahead of his side's pivotal Round 17 clash against the Tigers.
The club has been embroiled in controversy this season, with their inconsistent form on the field only adding fuel to the fire.
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Seibold has been at the centre of the controversy, with conjecture about his coaching future rising to the surface.
"That’s agenda driven," said Seibold.
"If you look at the facts, I came in at the end of 2022. The club had seven or eight games in a row and there was a lot of commentary around the Pride jersey.
"We won more games in 2023 than we did in 2022. We won more games in 2024 than we did in 2023.
"This year we have played some exceptional footy but we’ve also played poorly at times and the gap between our best and our worst has been too wide for my liking.
"So, to suggest that one game - you're a good coach if you win the game and a poor coach if you lose the game, for me that’s nonsense."
Earlier this year, Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans rejected a two-year deal that would have kept him on the Northern Beaches through 2027.
He is yet to make a decision on his playing future, which has fostered speculation about turmoil amongst the playing group.
Seibold denied that Cherry-Evans' contract saga has interrupted the team and actually gave them the opportunity to find a suitable replacement.
"I don’t feel so," said Seibold when asked if the situation has become a distraction.
"The only distraction is that we have to answer that question every time.
"One thing he did do is he gave the club plenty of time to find a replacement."
Regardless of the drama surrounding their coach and captain, if the Sea Eagles intend to be playing meaningful football in September and October - a win against the Tigers will reveal a lot about their chances.
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Seibold has made a notable change ahead of the game, moving superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic to the centres in a high-stakes gamble.
"It wasn’t a punishment. It was around helping Turbo find a little bit of confidence without worrying about the team," said Seibold.
"It’s also about recognising and rewarding Lehi [Hopoate] for some really good performances recently.
"Turbo understands that we always make decisions that are best for the team, not the individual.
"[We] didn’t have to sell it to him, he understands that’s what’s needed this week for our team."