The Manly NRL sponsor who was allegedly assaulted by Test star Anthony Watmough at their season launch claims the incident was sparked over comments about his 21-year-old daughter.

In a further dent to the Sea Eagles' off field reputation, the man claims he confronted Watmough because he was harassing his daughter at the Wharf Bar in Manly last Friday.

And further muddying the situation, the sponsor told Fairfax radio network he was punched and not slapped as has been previously reported.

"He punched me. It wasn't a slap. It was a punch," said Paul, who did not give his surname, from P&T Structural Landscaping.

"He was just being ... I don't want to get into the wording. It was not very nice.

"She is a young 21-year-old, very attractive lady and she did not need to be spoken to the way he was speaking to her.

"He was just very rude and that's what sparked me to get up and then he hit me."

Paul said he told Watmough to calm down and sit down but "he just wouldn't take that as an answer".

Watmough, who is unmarried, describes himself on the Manly Sea Eagles website as "sexy".

Paul said he would continue to be a supporter and sponsor of the Sea Eagles, but was yet to decide whether to press charges against Watmough.

"I have not even given a formal statement yet. The police want me to. It's just something I have to think about," he said.

"At the end of the day, we'd both had a few drinks.

"I'm not holding any grudge, but I'd just like to set the record straight."

However, he is adamant the club must sanction the player.

"I think there needs to be a little bit of discipline and a little bit of reprimand, otherwise they think they can do whatever they like," he said.

The club sponsor however supported the behaviour of the "majority" of the players at the function, adding his support for embattled star Brett Stewart who is facing sexual assault allegations from later in the evening.

"He would have to be the most delightful person I know," said Paul.

"I have never found a more nicer gentleman, he is a gentleman."

No charges have been laid against Stewart, but police served him with an apprehended violence order, which was extended on Tuesday for four weeks.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP