Anthony Seibold to travel to England, facing delayed start to time as Manly NRL coach

Anthony Seibold will face a frantic start to his tenure as Manly coach which will include a trip to the other side of the world. Plus, what changes could he make?

Anthony Seibold has been working with England’s rugby team.

Manly coach-in-waiting Anthony Seibold will fly out to England on Sunday before he faces one of the most disruptive and restricted starts to a coaching tenure in rugby league history.

Seibold, who will be appointed the Sea Eagles’ new coach after Des Hasler was sacked on Thursday, could have less than two weeks to prepare before starting official pre-season training with his new club on November 10.

Interrupting Seibold’s start at Brookvale is a trip to London to finalise a contract termination with the English Rugby Union, where is employed as the defensive co-ordinator under coach Eddie Jones.

Incoming Manly coach Anthony Seibold at Freshwater Beach. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Seibold cannot even nominate a return date. He also has a commitment to attend a wedding in Queensland.

The 48-year-old will return from England to face a mountainous challenge only equal to that he confronted when appointed Brisbane Broncos coach in 2019.

He will front up one day to face a hostile fan base who adored club legend Hasler, two champion brothers – Tom and Jake Trbojevic — filthy at how the club is being run and some lingering self-doubts after being dumped by Brisbane less than two years into a five-season deal.

The Daily Telegraph exchanged text messages with Seibold on Thursday, the former Souths and Broncos coach claiming he would be “happy to chat” when he secured “some clarity over the next few days.”

Seibold confirmed he would travel to England this Sunday.

“I’m not sure of a return date,” he wrote.

“That’s all to be determined.”

Anthony Seibold was unveiled as an assistant to new Manly coach Trent Barrett in 2015, pictured with fellow assistant John Cartwright. Picture: Brett Costello

Seibold’s departure is a blow for England, less than 12 months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

He was planning on helping England in four Tests during November including games against the All Blacks and Springboks.

Hasler was sacked despite having another season to run on his current contract.

The Sea Eagles are yet to offer Hasler a payout but negotiations between both camps will continue.

Hasler may still consider legal action against the club.

Manly players were still waiting to be told of their coach’s departure at least two hours after The Daily Telegraph broke the news.

Players are on annual leave but some felt the club could have sent a message through their WhatsApp group.

The Daily Telegraph spoke with Hasler, who is on holidays, but he declined to comment. He did, however, express a quiet sadness for his players.

Former CEO Lyall Gorman, Manly owner and chairman Scott Penn, and departing coach Des Hasler. Picture: Brett Costello

Those close to Hasler claimed he knew the axe was hovering.

Manly’s board did reaffirm Hasler’s employment for 2023 just days ago before back flipping on Thursday morning. Hasler’s manager, George Mimis, would not comment.

The Daily Telegraph communicated with star fullback Tom Trbojevic but he too elected against speaking with the media.

Manly’s assistant coaches next season are expected to be Michael Monaghan and Steve Hales. Chad Randall, another assistant, has joined Canterbury.

It is unknown whether Seibold will retain the same coaching staff and high-performance team that Hasler employed.

Sea Eagles recruitment manager Noel Cleal, a close ally of Hasler, was not commenting on his future when contacted on Thursday.