NRL: Departing Anthony Seibold hits back at Broncos minority shareholder Phil Murphy

Anthony Seibold is expected to address the Broncos playing group on Wednesday morning in his final act as the club’s head coach.

Anthony Seibold will inform Broncos players of his departure on Wednesday

Departing Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has returned serve at the club’s minority owner Phil Murphy as he prepares to confirm his departure from the Broncos.

Seibold will address the players on Wednesday morning before he fronts a press conference where his departure will be confirmed.

Having spent the past fortnight in a COVID-19 hold, Seibold made a hit-and-run visit to the club’s headquarters first thing on Tuesday morning.

However, most of the players were on a day off and Seibold didn’t stay long. The Broncos and Seibold have been locked in talks over his exit and it is understood they have finally reached an agreement, bringing his tenure to an end after two years in charge.

His assistant Peter Gentle will take over on an interim basis for the remainder of the season while the club conducts their search for a new head coach.

Favourite son Kevin Walters and premiership-winner Paul Green are considered the frontrunners for the post.

Meanwhile, Seibold and Broncos officials are seething at comments from Murphy, who claimed Seibold’s future was like a “cancer” that needed to be cut out of the club.

Murphy is the Broncos’ second-largest shareholder behind News Limited and it is understood Seibold attempted to contact him on at least two occasions on Tuesday.

He also reached out via a pair of text messages.

“I have only met him three times in my life and two of those were in the change rooms after games when the players complained about him,” Seibold said.

“He is not a decision-maker at our club. I think it is a pretty insensitive comment in regards to people who have to go through that ordeal. I find it disgusting from a person who has no understanding or knowledge of our inner sanctum.”