Anthony Seibold, Manly talks break down in fresh NRL coaching drama

Speculation in the NRL coaching ranks is at fever pitch, with talks breaking down between Anthony Seibold and the Sea Eagles.

Anthony Seibold and Brad Arthur. Photos: Getty Images

The NRL’s coaching merry-go-round has hit a key speed bump over reports Anthony Seibold’s long-term future at Manly is now in doubt.

With the fresh news of Wayne Bennett’s move to South Sydney next year and the Eels parting company with Brad Arthur, Seibold’s contract talks at the Sea Eagles have ground to a halt.

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Under contract for 2025 at Brookvale, Seibold was in talks over a multimillion-dollar extension.

But Manly’s current three-game losing streak, which has dropped the club to 10th on the ladder, has clouded the situation surrounding the 49-year-old, according to The Daily Telegraph.

That losing run includes a heartbreaker against the Broncos in Magic Round when a Jock Madden field goal in the 75th minute gave Brisbane a 13-12 victory.

Anthony Seibold and Brad Arthur. Photos: Getty Images

Sources told the newspaper Seibold left a meeting with club management on Thursday in anger over his contract situation.

“It’s a results-driven business and we won’t be rushed,” the Manly source is quoted as saying.

Talks over Seibold’s future have coincided with Arthur being shown the door at Parramatta, ending his 11-year stay with the Eels.

Josh Hannay, Paul McGregor and Origin coaches Billy Slater and Michael Maguire have been mentioned as possible replacements for Arthur, who is a former assistant coach at the Sea Eagles.

Seibold and his manager Isaac Moses had held discussions with Manly for a number of weeks, with Sea Eagles boss Tony Mestrov telling the Telegraph the talks being put on hold is not a major issue.

“I don’t think it’s an issue because Anthony is under contract for another 12 months,” he said.

“We will continue to have discussions with his agent at the appropriate time.”

Jock Madden’s field goal prove the difference last Friday night. NRL Photos.

Seibold also spoke to the newspaper on Thursday and added his opinion the situation was under control and he was still hopeful of extending his current deal with the club.

“The club’s put talks on hold and I’ve got no drama with that,” he said.

“I’ve got another year and a half to go and I want to stay beyond that.

“I’m not too concerned. If I’m doing a good job it won’t be a problem.

“We’ve got a game of football against the Storm and that’s all I’m concerned about right now.”

Manly host the high-flying Melbourne outfit at Brookvale Oval at 8pm on Friday night in a tough match-up as the Sea Eagles try to snap their current losing skid.

Originally published as Anthony Seibold, Manly talks break down in fresh NRL coaching drama