Manly chairman Scott Penn has reportedly confirmed head coach Trent Barrett will not be at the Sea Eagles next season as the club targets a proven replacement.

Barrett and the Sea Eagles are locked in a legal dispute over a possible payout, with his resignation terms keeping him bound to the club until July, the Daily Telegraph reports.

“We are not in a position to back a rookie coach. We tried it, it had strong potential but it seemingly hasn’t worked,” Penn said, with the club considering a list that includes Tim Sheens, Michael Maguire, John Cartwright and Neil Henry.