Anthony Seibold quits Brisbane Broncos, Kevin Walters firms to take over
The Broncos’ largest private shareholder who labelled Anthony Seibold ‘a cancer’ believes one man is capable of rebuilding “the biggest rabble in Australian sport”.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Anthony Seibold’s tenure as Brisbane Broncos coach is over and calls have intensified for Queensland legend Kevin Walters to take the reins at Red Hill.
Seibold will depart Broncos headquarters for the final time on Wednesday after he addresses the club’s playing group about his premature exit.
Seibold, 45, is the shortest serving coach in Brisbane’s 32-year history, lasting only 20 months into a five-year contract and finishing with a winning record of 37 per cent.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The Broncos are sitting in 15th spot on the NRL ladder with three wins from 15 games and fighting to avoid the wooden spoon ahead of a daunting showdown with the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
Seibold’s position became untenable, with the Broncos brokering a severance package to farewell Wayne Bennett’s successor immediately.
Seibold on Tuesday ended a 14-day home quarantine after attending to a family matter in Sydney and made a short appearance at the Broncos’ office, arriving at 5am and departing at 7.30am.
He will return this morning and speak to the players about his departure before facing the media and leaving the club for the last time.
Assistant coach Peter Gentle will continue as interim coach for the remaining five rounds of the NRL season.
But the race is now on to become the fifth coach of the Broncos, with club favourite Walters and North Queensland Cowboys premiership-winner Paul Green heading the list of candidates.
The Broncos’ largest private shareholder, Phil Murphy, said Walters had earned the right to have a crack at coaching his beloved club.
“Anthony Seibold has been too scientific for the players, it has all been too much for them,” he said.
MORE BRONCOS NEWS
NRL 2020: Kevin Walters opens up about Broncos coaching job
Tevita Pangai Jr meets NRL integrity unit over alleged Broncos salary cap breaches
NRL 2020: Broncos sweat on Anthony Milford fitness as Tom Dearden underlines vast potential
“They just want to enjoy their football, not get hammered with stuff that is irrelevant.
“We have become the biggest rabble in Australian sport. It’s beyond belief.
“I fully support a change of coach. Kevvie is a good bloke and a Broncos legend and he understands the club.
“Kevvie’s manner is what the club needs. He is happy-go-lucky. He can bring some harmony and culture back to the Broncos. If Kevvie got the job, it would be wonderful for the club.
“There are some great coaches in the game at the moment that could also be available. There are coaches out there who would love to come and raise the Broncos up to where they were.”
While the axe has fallen on Seibold, he is unlikely to be the only head to roll at Red Hill.
Chief executive Paul White, chairman Karl Morris and board member Darren Lockyer have been criticised for granting Seibold a five-year deal after one season coaching South Sydney.
Head of football Peter Nolan is also facing scrutiny for overseeing Brisbane’s failing roster and Maroons legend Billy Moore said the Broncos had to look deeper than Seibold.
“The coach (Anthony Seibold) and the CEO (White, leaving October 31) are going so they are the major figureheads in any organisation,’’ Moore said.
“But there are more fingerprints on this disaster than the CEO and the coach.
“The retention committee needs a shake-up. They need to have a good look at themselves. There is a big question mark over Peter Nolan I believe.
“I am happy to shout from the highest regions that Ben Ikin should get the CEO’s job.
“He is a perfect fit - he brings integrity and is a thorough professional who has credibility not only because of his rugby league IQ but he has also had forays into the business world.
“People have been saying the Broncos need to do a rebuild but they will go close to getting the wooden spoon so this will take some time.”
Originally published as Anthony Seibold quits Brisbane Broncos, Kevin Walters firms to take over