Hot on the heels of the Liam Reddy saga and the exit of defender Eddy Bosnar, the Mariners' hierarchy is in the midst of an internal investigation, part of which has been the requesting of players' personal mobile phone records, in a bid to unveil the mole.
Football Federation Australia has been informed of the on-going process, which could lead to the perpatrator's premature exit from Gosford, if the club gets their way.
It was initially believed the leaks, which have been doing the rounds on social media, have largely centred on a purported dressing room disharmony over coach Tony Walmsley and his tactics.
But what has enraged the club most is the alleged leaking of the Mariners' starting line-up to Sydney FC ahead of the Round Four clash it subsequently lost 3-1 just over two weeks ago.
That alleged conduct is viewed by management as a breach of trust and worthy of summary dismissal.
The probe into who is responsible has led to players being asked to divulge their call logs to management. To date, all but a small minority have complied in what amounts to a process of elimination as Mariners sleuths play Poirot.
This latest drama to hit the club comes in the wake of renegade goalkeeper Reddy being offered a severence deal over several in-house breaches centering on his dissatisfaction with Walmsley’s fearless attacking philosophy and consequent laxity at the back this season.
Frozen out by the club, Reddy has yet to agree to terms on his departure and the matter is in the hands of both parties' lawyers and the PFA.
Veteran stopper Bosnar, another apparently not totally at ease with the direction the club has taken, left by mutual consent last week.
While management are declining to comment widely on the internal ructions and evolving investigations, the club confirmed in a satement that “there is an ongoing internal inquiry into the release of confidential information.
"The information released is highly sensitive and could have a potential impact to the integrity of the A-League.”
Meanwhile, executive vice-chairman Peter Storrie remains "delighted" with the Mariners offensive doctrines this season, with flair and adventure taking precedence over the acquisition of points.
Though the Mariners sit eighth with one win from six, Storrie said: “We have scored in every single game this season, and that's pleasing.
“Obviously, you want to win games, but it’s a league where there’s no relegation and playing attractive football and getting the supporters back is our number one priority.
“That’s the path we are following and I think the fans are buying into it. I speak to them at games and they love the style.”
Storrie believes that a dip in memberships of around 1000 from last season had much to do with the conservative approach adopted by former coach Phil Moss, and attributes a clawing back of some lost fans on giving the players full rein to express themselves.
“We spoke to many fans on why they had dropped off and the overwhelming reason they cited was unattractive football," Storrie said.
“So we are gradually winning them back. Tony and (assistant coach) John Hutchinson are doing great and have formed a top partnership."
Owner Mike Charlesworth, who has publicly stated he is more interested in unremitting excitement than grinding out results, remains upbeat also.
“I am enjoying the way the team are playing and approaching games and I think it’s what the fans want to see,” he said.
“The players have adopted the concept and there’s a real harmony among the group and a belief we are doing things the right way.
“I think it’s the way to re-engage with supporters, and I want to us being a club that rates highly on TV among neutrals as well as with our own fans.”
