The Wests Tigers, in warning they will not be “bullied or railroaded by anyone”, have sent a clear message to Penrith over Ivan Cleary. Just like Manly did to Canterbury six years ago – only to see Des Hasler walk out of Brookvale with a year still left on his contract.

The Tigers have the moral high ground and have every right to expect Cleary will see out the two-and-a-half years he has remaining on his deal. But the fact is, if he doesn’t want to be there, they have no option but to let him go.

How they are compensated for his departure, should it happen, is up to them. Cleary will also have to deal with the inevitable hit to his reputation. But there is no point keeping him if he doesn’t want to be on his own bus.

NRL clubs haven’t been in this situation since Hasler’s premiership year of 2011. Just days after Manly’s triumph it emerged the Bulldogs had signed him from 2013 onwards, but were keen to take him immediately. The initial reaction from the Sea Eagles was akin to that of the Tigers today – the coach is contracted and going nowhere. But it soon became apparent that wasn’t going to work.

The situations aren’t identical. In Manly’s case, they couldn’t afford to compete financially with the Bulldogs' offer and felt Hasler would do more damage by staying put. Citing a breach of contract – Hasler was accused of poaching support staff – they terminated his contract.