However, the Sea Eagles are confident of striking a deal before they are even able to test their worth as free agents. The pair are already contracted until the end of next year and there are already discussions about the prospect extending them until the end of the current broadcast deal. Such a move would give all parties certainty, as it remains unclear whether the salary cap will go up, down or stay at the same level beyond then.

Like his brothers, Ben Trbojevic has made all of the representative sides coming through the grades and is considered every bit as talented as his older brothers. The teenaged centre-backrower will be eased into the top squad in coming seasons with a view to joining Jake and Tom in the Sea Eagles line-up.

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Latrell Mitchell, Anthony Milford, Jack Bird, Nick Cotric, Josh Jackson, Chad Townsend, Daniel Saifiti and Siosiua Taukeiaho headline a raft of superstars who can receive start receiving offers from rivals in just four months if they aren’t re-signed. However, no signings could turn around the fortunes of a club faster than the Trbojevics if they came as a package deal.

While they would take slightly less to stay, the Sea Eagles are mindful not to lowball the pair and would make them among the highest earners in the game. The Trbojevic brothers' manager, Paul Sutton, said it was their preference to continue playing together in the NRL but didn't rule out the prospect of them splitting up.

The Trbojevic boys remain the priority, although Manly officials are also in the process of locking in other squad members that coach Des Hasler is keen to retain. Winger Jorge Taufua has just signed a new two-year extension that will soon be announced. The Tongan and Samoan international has made all 136 of his NRL appearances for the Silvertails and has moved a step closer to finishing his career as a one-club man.