South Sydney assistant coach Anthony Seibold tipped to take over from Michael Maguire

THE man who helped engineer Queensland’s Origin series victory is the leading contender to replace Michael Maguire as South Sydney coach.

Anthony Seibold has coached some of the biggest names in the game. Photo: Peter Wallis

THE man who helped engineer Queensland’s remarkable State of Origin series victory this year is the leading contender to replace Michael Maguire as South Sydney coach from next season.

Rookie coach Anthony Seibold is expected to take the reins of the 2014 premiers after Maguire’s fate was sealed by the Rabbitohs’ recent 64-6 hammering from Melbourne Storm.

Souths confirmed their premiership-winning coach had left the club “by mutual consent” on Tuesday evening.

He is expected to become coach of either the Gold Coast Titans or English Super League club Warrington.

Seibold is a Souths assistant coach who filled the same role for the Maroons in the 2-1 series win over the Blues this year.

Rockhampton-born Seibold is also a former assistant coach at Manly who played for the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, and also had stints in England and France.

Anthony Seibold has coached some of the biggest names in the game. Photo: Peter Wallis

There is a theory that Souths needed to move away from the hard-nosed and relentless methods of Maguire.

But Maguire will always have a treasured place in South Sydney’s rich history after the club’s famous victory over Canterbury in the 2014 grand final.

Seibold, 42, would be a gamble as head coach but he comes with a strong reputation. He has also spent time in the Melbourne Storm coaching system under Craig Bellamy.