Tonga flyer Tolatau Koula has thanked Des Hasler for his support throughout the Pride jersey saga, which marked the beginning of the end for the veteran mentor's second stint as Manly coach.

Hasler was sacked last week in the aftermath of a disastrous season finale at the Sea Eagles that was punctuated by the introduction of the "everyone in league jersey" for round 20.

Delivered poorly and without consultation, the Pride jersey led to seven players — Koula, Haumole Olakau'atu, Josh Schuster, Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Toafoa Sipley and Christian Tuipolotu — refusing to take the field against the Roosters, due to their personal beliefs.

Manly did not win any of their remaining games and it had a domino effect, leading to Hasler's swift exit last week.

At the time, Hasler sought to portion blame to the club's hierarchy for their ineffective communication and Koula said it had endeared him even more to the squad.

"Des backing us boys in our decision was pretty special, just to know that he had our backs, that's another reason why it's so sad to see him go," the fullback said from the Tongan camp in St Helens.

"He's so loyal to us. Dessie will do anything for us boys and I'm sure all the boys will do anything for him too.

"What happened, happened, and I'm sure us — as a seven — will probably speak about it together. But, at the moment, the focus is on here with Tonga."

While Koula politely declined to expand on his reasoning for making himself unavailable, the 20-year-old said the incoming Manly coach would find a united dressing room.

"I think, with everything that's happened, it's brought all of us closer together," he said.