Broncos coach Anthony Seibold takes aim at internet trolls

The Facebook fan pages are packed to the brim with Broncos supporters calling for Anthony Seibold to cut his faltering spine, but the coach has hit back at the ‘trolls’.

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

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Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has refused to give air to social media trolls after Brisbane crashed to a 1-4 start to the year.

Broncos halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima and fullback Darius Boyd were again targets for “sack the spine’’ criticism on social media after a 22-16 loss to Wests Tigers on Thursday.

Anthony Seibold speaks to media after the Broncos lost to the Tigers. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Seibold said two of the former Broncos to have criticised his players following the shellacking by Sydney Roosters a week earlier had rung him to apologise.

“Two of the three guys apologised, saying they didn’t say it in that context,’’ he said.

“I don’t really care to be frank.

“It didn’t have any impact on the game. We talk about trials on social media and mental health and the amount of crap some of the people have to cop through the week.’’

Boyd, who rebuilt his health after spending 21 days in a rehabilitation centre for mental health during the 2014 season, was stoutly defended by Seibold for his efforts against the Tigers.

Player welfare was in the spotlight in the sport this week with the NRL hosting a wellbeing and education conference for club representatives and other stakeholders over three days at the Gold Coast.

Boyd slipped in the last line as Michael Chee Kam raced towards him for the fateful, 79th minute try.

“Darbs led by example and was really strong,’’ Seibold said.

“The boys saw how physical he was and how brave he was.’’

Darius Boyd tries to settle his team on Thursday night. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The Broncos do not intend to make players available to the media until Wednesday ahead of the away match tomorrow week in Canberra.

It leaves the media field open to what they often disparage as “external” opinions to hold court on the fallabilites and uncertain 2019 prospects.

Broncos forward Matt Gillett will be monitored by training staff after being unable to contest the second half, suffering from blurred vision from a head knock.

“We’d have liked to have his experience out there,’’ Seibold said.

The Broncos missed 37 tackles, still a high count, but 19 fewer than they were guilty of in their 36-4 caning by the Sydney Roosters a week earlier.

Seibold still has work to do on his defensive line for tomorrow week’s clash in Canberra against the Raiders, who can bring danger at them from any angle.

“After speaking to Seibs (following the game), he said it was a big step from last week and we are heading in the right direction,’’ said halfback Kodi Nikorima.

“We will be ready to rip in against the Raiders.’’