Anthony Seibold won’t rule out letting Broncos players go or raiding South Sydney

Anthony Seibold doesn’t fear Wayne Bennett will lure Broncos players to Redfern, but refused to rule out launching his own poaching raid on the Rabbitohs.

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Anthony Seibold doesn’t fear Wayne Bennett will lure Broncos players to Redfern, but refused to rule out launching his own poaching raid on the Rabbitohs.

Seibold took over the reins at the Broncos on Monday after Bennett’s 25-year association with Brisbane ended with his dramatic sacking on Sunday.

Bennett, 68, has forged a 40-year coaching career on his ability to create bonds with players and lure stars to play under him.

Tevita Pangai Jr left Canberra to be coached by Bennett while the seven-time NRL premiership winner resurrected the career of prop Matt Lodge in the face of adversity last season.

Seibold is known for giving players responsibility. (AAP image, John Gass)

During the longwinded coach swap circus, Bennett boldly warned the Broncos that certain players at the club were only there because of him.

Whether that translates to Broncos stars heading to South Sydney with Bennett remains to be seen, but Seibold isn’t holding his breath.

“That’s an individual’s decision,” he said.

“Everyone has got a right to make a decision that suits them best.

“Broncos is a really strong club. Traditionally it’s always been a very popular club for players to play at.

“Players will make their own minds up about what they want to do. I can’t control that.”

Damien Cook would make a great addition to the club. (Brett Costello)

Seibold, 44, will inherit one of the NRL’s hottest young playing rosters, chock full of emerging talent and the potential to deliver Brisbane its first NRL title since 2006.

But the second-year NRL coach will also look to put his stamp on the club and is expected to be active in the player market over the next year.

South Sydney’s NSW Origin hooker Damien Cook has already been linked to the Broncos, however the Rabbitohs are desperate to lock him up.

Seibold dodged questions about whether he would raid the Rabbitohs, but insisted he left Redfern on good terms with his playing group.

“I spoke to all the (Rabbitohs) players (Sunday) night on the phone. I had a really positive working relationship with the players,” he said.

“One thing I try to do is establish strong relationships with the group. I’ve got a really transparent relationship with the players.

“They are always tough phone calls when you’re saying goodbye to people.

“They were a really good group to work with but I’m excited about this next challenge.”

Darius Boyd finally meets with his new coach. (AAP image, John Gass)

While the Broncos’ squad is highly rated, Seibold said talent alone would not be enough to win the club’s seventh title.

“There is certainly a lot of talent in the group here,” he said.

“When I’ve coached against the Broncos in 2018, they played particularly well.

“Some of the younger players have got a lot of ability but talent will only take you so far.

“I’m a big believer in the effort areas of our game. That’s what I need to make the players accountable to.

“The senior players will make those players accountable. The senior guys are a big part of what I do.”

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