Toovey back working as an accountant

Manly discard Geoff Toovey is back working fulltime as an accountant and has no plans to return to Brookvale Oval any time soon.

But the Sea Eagles legend does harbour ambitions to coach elsewhere in the NRL.

“I’ve made that known to the NRL. I’d like to stay involved,” Toovey said on Wednesday.

Sacked as coach last season after almost 30 years at Manly, Toovey says he’s “too busy” to attend any games.

He spent last Friday night at an 18th birthday party as the Sea Eagles crashed to a 28-6 home loss to Canterbury.

“I watched some of the game. I feel for the players that were there when I was there and for the ones who missed out starting in round one,” he said.

“I’m sure they will get an opportunity to prove their talents a bit later on.”

Always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, the former premiership-winning captain also expressed empathy for his successor Trent Barrett, who endured a horror start to his NRL coaching career.

“It’s always hard. He’s got a team that’s fairly new and it’s going to take a while for everything to settle in,” said Toovey, who remains very much a fan favourite at his old club.

He received hearty support on social media, while there were also reports some spectators were chanting his name during the season opener.

“The support for me on the northern beaches is unbelievable and I accept that and respect that and am grateful for it,” he said.

The 47-year-old is also grateful to land his old job back as a number cruncher as he bides his time waiting for another coaching crack.

“I’m back in there fulltime, picking up a few bits and pieces and starting from the bottom,” Toovey said.

“It keeps the mind active and keeps me up to date with what’s going on out there in the business world.”

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