NRL 2022: Manly Sea Eagles to make shock bid for Eddie Jones

Anthony Seibold is already working on who he wants on his coaching staff at Manly and his eyes are firmly set on a former Wallabies coach. Find out how it could work.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Eddie Jones, the England head coach, looks on during the England training session held at Twickenham Stadium on October 04, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has emerged as a potential target for Anthony Seibold as the incoming Manly coach pieces together a staff capable of returning the Sea Eagles to premiership glory.

News Corp has learnt Jones’ name has been discussed for a raft of roles ahead of Seibold’s impending long-term appointment as Des Hasler’s replacement.

It is understood the roles range from advisor to a full-time head of football position at Manly as part of a revamped staff. Jones has long harboured an ambition to work in rugby league and has spoken glowingly about his affection for the game, in particular his love for South Sydney.

Eddie Jones coached the Walabies and England international rugby teams. Picture: Getty Images

He recently said he would “jump at an opportunity” to coach in the NRL and spent time with the premiership winning Panthers in July.

His best option for a switch of codes could be Manly as Seibold looks to strengthen the Sea Eagles’ football department.

The major sticking point is Jones’s current commitments as head coach of England’s rugby union team. His deal expires at the end of the 2023 World Cup, meaning he would be unable to start in a role with Manly until the 2024 season.

The rugby World Cup ends in October and Jones has already said he would step down after eight years in charge of England once the tournament ends.

Former NSW coach Laurie Daley has also been approached about a similar role at Manly while Brad Fittler was also discussed but his commitments with the Blues would prevent him from taking on a formal position.

Another potential target is Melbourne’s head of football Frank Ponissi. Seibold has a close relationship with Ponissi, although he is under contract at the Storm. Ponissi is regarded as the best general manager of football in the game and has history at Manly – he previously worked at the club.

There is a recognition that Seibold needs to surround himself with experienced staff and Jones certainly fits the bill, having coached at the top level of rugby union for years.

Seibold and Jones are close with Seibold working as England’s defensive coach. He is expected to leave for England on Sunday to link back up with England ahead of internationals against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

However, Seibold’s stint with England is expected to end prematurely with the Sea Eagles to return to pre-season training next month.

The Sea Eagles need to finalise Hasler’s formal exit before they appoint Seibold officially.

Anthony Seibold during his time working with the England rugby team. Picture: Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images

Seibold joined England in September last year after working with Adam O’Brien in Newcastle since leaving the Broncos.

Hasler’s long-term head of performance Don Singe and ex-skipper turned assistant coach Michael Monaghan also face uncertain futures. Hasler’s other assistant Chad Randall has joined Bulldogs to work on the attack under new coach Cameron Ciraldo.

Highly regarded Steve Hales is expected to remain at the club. Jones would be an ambitious target for Manly but his commitment would be a statement of intent from Seibold and the Sea Eagles.

Jones is arguably the highest profile rugby union coach and would command huge money around the world should he elect to remain in the 15 man code. However, joining Manly in a consultant capacity may give him the opportunity to juggle the two codes.

He could stay involved in rugby union in Japan and work with Seibold in the NRL given there is minimal overlap between the respective seasons.

Another former Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has dipped his toe in both codes. He is coach of the Argentinian rugby team and is in England leading Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup.

He too has hinted at an ambition to work full-time in the NRL after being part of Trent Robinson’s coaching staff at the Roosters in 2020.