Manly have rubbished suggestions out-of-favour back-rower Tom Symonds could be headed for an early exit from the NRL club.

He has attracted interest from four other clubs including Melbourne after being dropped to reserve grade for the start of the season, fuelling suggestions he could be let go early.

Manager Gavin Orr said Symonds was unhappy after being left out of the side’s opening-round loss to Canterbury and the 17 to take on the Wests Tigers on Monday, and was being sounded out by several rivals.

However, coach Trent Barrett flatly denied they were willing to release him before his contract expired at the end of this season.

“There’s no situation with Tom Symonds – he’s definitely not going anywhere,” Barrett said.

“He’s important to us.”