Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien open to old mate Anthony Seibold joining Knights
A bond forged when assistant coaches at the Storm may see sacked Broncos coach Anthony Seibold secure a role under Adam O’Brien at the Newcastle Knights.
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Knights coach Adam O‘Brien says he will address the prospect of Anthony Seibold joining the club only if and when a position becomes available on his coaching staff.
A close confidant to Seibold throughout his coaching career, O’Brien shares a tight relationship with the 47-year-old having spent four years together under Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm.
Seibold worked as the Melbourne Storm under-20s coach in 2014, before moving into an assistant role alongside O’Brien.
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More recently, the Newcastle coach has proven an influential sounding board for the shattered Broncos coach over the past week and in the wake of his tumultuous exit from Red Hill this week.
The Daily Telegraph recently reported that O’Brien’s current assistant coach David Furner was close to signing a deal to link with Trent Barrett at Canterbury in 2021.
Furner’s family has remained in Sydney during his stint in Newcastle, however he is yet to confirm the move to Knights management.
Furner’s anticipated departure has led to suggestions throughout the game this week that Seibold’s relaunch could be in Newcastle.
Even O’Brien joked when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph that he had been waiting for a story to emerge about his close ties with Seibold and a possible partnership at the Knights.
But he was adamant to point out that any serious connection was premature.
“I‘m in constant contact with him as a mate, but we haven’t approached that subject once,’’ O’Brien said.
“I‘m really comfortable with the staff I’ve got here at the moment. If that changes, I’ll have to have a look at it then.
“What Seebs (Seibold) needs is to spend time with his family.
“I can speak first-hand as I’ve worked with him in Melbourne and I know what sort of coach he is. I respect him.
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“I don‘t know why it didn’t work out up there, but what he did at Souths and us down at Melbourne, he played a huge part.
“He‘s a good coach.
“The thing with me is, I always have people around me who have been through experiences and this has certainly been an experience for him.
“But I just want to make sure he‘s alright.
“I think he just needs a rest at the moment, I‘m not even sure what he wants to do going forward.’’