NRL 2020: Anthony Seibold rejects claim about vile rumours

Mystery surrounds the origin of vile rumours spread about Anthony Seibold but the axed coach has put one accusation to bed.

Anthony Seibold has left the Broncos but the fight continues.

Anthony Seibold has denied “someone of profile” is behind the vile rumours being spread about him and his family as an investigation into the disgusting social media attacks continues.

The former Brisbane Broncos coach, who parted ways with the club last week, hired legal representation and cybersecurity experts to trace the source of the rumours. The Australian reported on the weekend he had handed a list of names linked to the smear campaign to the NRL.

The report claimed at least one “well-known figure” was seeking legal advice after being identified while Seibold’s lawyer Dave Garratt has previously said a “prominent name” was involved.

However, when Nine’s Danny Weidler put the name of an “NRL identity” to Seibold — the wife of a person with links to the Broncos — the fallen coach didn’t bite.

“It’s not someone of profile,’’ Seibold said. ‘‘All of that talk is wrong. I’ve only just got out of the (Broncos’ biosecurity) bubble and seen my lawyer and it’s not the name you have put to me.’’

Seibold paid out of his own pocket to fund the investigation into the rumours, and may pursue legal action, but the NRL Integrity Unit can also step in if a rugby league player, coach or official is found to be behind to the sordid saga.

The Integrity Unit has the power to seize phones to investigate a possible code of conduct breach and can stamp people out of the NRL for good if they are found to be responsible for the rumours.

Seibold’s tenure at Red Hill ended less than two years into his five-year deal as personal stresses and on-field woes left both parties with no option other than to separate.

The Broncos are second-last on the ladder, winning just three games all year — and just once since the season restarted in late May from its coronavirus-enforced suspension.

Anthony Seibold endured a torrid time in Brisbane.

Speaking at his farewell press conference last week, Seibold revealed the moment he realised it was time to go came when he left his daughter after staying in Sydney after a game because of a “serious” family matter — which forced him into two weeks of self-isolation.

“I think the final straw was hopping back on a plane from Sydney when I wanted to be with my daughter,” he said.

“Right now I want spend more time with my family as they’ve made enormous sacrifices in recent times.

“People ask me if there are things I would do different over the last two years, but none of that matters right now.

“I gave my best to the Broncos, but ultimately I am responsible for where we are currently at.”

Seibold had previously lashed those responsible for spreading rumours about him, saying it was “disgusting” and “sickening” his family had been dragged into the mess.

While his stint at the Broncos will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, coaching is still on Seibold’s radar. Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien said he was open to the possibility of linking up with his friend at the Knights, should a position open up on his coaching staff.

The pair previously worked together as assistants to Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm and while he was adamant it was far too early to jump to any conclusions, in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph O’Brien left the door ajar for a possible reunion should the circumstances allow it.