NRL side Manly Sea Eagles have effectively sacked coach Geoff Toovey, confirming that Trent Barrett will take over from next season.

After months of speculation surrounding club legend Toovey's future, it was announced yesterday that he will see out the rest of this season as head coach, before having the final year of his contract paid out in full.

Speaking to reporters today, the 46-year-old, who played for the club for 11 years, said: "I'm very disappointed that my coaching career has ended. The decision has been made and I just have to accept that.

"[The season] is still not over yet. We're still in it with a chance and if you saw how the players played last week you'd be well and truly worried if you were the teams above us."

The Sea Eagles sit 11th in the NRL, four points outside of the playoff positions with six games left to play.