The last match against the Springboks is scheduled for Twickenham on November 26.

Manly's preseason starts on November 10.

Despite having a year to run on his deal, head coach Des Hasler was given his marching orders on Thursday after a disappointing end to the season saw the Sea Eagles finish in 11th position.

Manly's season was derailed by the pride jersey controversy, when seven players refused to wear the strip in round 20, forcing them to field a significantly-weakened line-up.

They would eventually end the year with seven straight losses.

Blues legend Brad Fittler this told Today on Friday morning Hasler's sacking wasn't unexpected.

"I don't think it's a surprise to anyone," he said.

"I think if anything, they're out of disarray, and they seem to have direction at the moment.

"It goes all the way back to the rainbow jersey. What it's shown is that the club had fractures all over the place, from the players, to the coaching staff, to administration.

"You can see how a footy jersey pretty much destroyed their season and now cost the coach his job."

There was also concern following Hasler's sacking the club would lose it's two stars - Tom and Jake Trbojevic - after Tom requested an emergency meeting with his management.

The brothers are both known to be fiercely loyal to Hasler.

However, both have since confirmed they will stay with the club.

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