Seibold’s patience running out over lack of clarity on Broncos move
Anthony Seibold has returned to kick off the Rabbitohs’ preseason training but admits his mind isn’t wholly focused on the South Sydney squad as the Broncos coaching saga drags on.
Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold wants to know in the “next 24 to 48 hours” whether his immediate future is at South Sydney or Brisbane.
As South Sydney players returned to pre-season training on Monday, speculation continues that Seibold and Wayne Bennett are set to swap clubs for next season, a year ahead of their new deals.
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“Either way I want it resolved, for the players of both teams,” Seibold said of whether he will be at Red Hill or Redfern for the 2019 season.
“Essentially it is not my decision, it’s a management decision but I want it resolved because the players they need certainty and they need clarity.
“I’m hopeful to get that clarity and certainty over the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Broncos-bound Seibold has agreed to a four-year deal to take over from Bennett in 2020, who in turn has signed a two-year contract with the Rabbitohs.
Bennett is currently overseas on international duty in his role as England boss. He’s due back in Australia early this week.
Second-year coach Seibold also revealed he had spoken to Rabbitohs players about his decision to move on from the club but refused to divulge the nature of the discussions.
“I’m not going to go into that, I have spoken to all the players individually on the phone and I also had a meeting with the players at the start of today but I prefer to keep those conversations private. They understand my decision for 2020 and like I said until I’m told otherwise I’m going to coach my backside off here,” he said.
Seibold was on hand to welcome the first group of players to arrive for preseason on Monday morning. Players with fewer than three seasons under their belt were the first to report for duty. The rest of the squad will return over the course of summer.
Day one for the youngsters included fitness testing and a 1.2km time trial under the heat of the midday sun.
Boom forward Cameron Murray, who had off-season shoulder surgery, completed the entire session.
Adam Doueihi watched from the sideline as he continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered in August.
Young playmaker Jack Johns, the son of Matthew Johns, was one of the new faces at Redfern on Monday.
He has joined the Rabbitohs on a part-time contract but is training with the top squad.
Seibold was full of praise for Johns and says the versatile 21-year old is a chance of cracking the NRL side.
“Jack’s signed for our reserve grade on a part-time contract. He can play a number of positions very well and that’s the beauty of Jack. I really like Jack as a player and I have watched him over the last couple of years and I love that he has added some size and he’s a very skilful player. We think he has a ton of ability. He has a preseason with the club and I’m sure he’ll take advantage of that,” he said.
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