Seibold hires lawyers to quash ugly smear campaign

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has engaged lawyers and will consult police over a scurrilous smear campaign the club believe is designed to destroy his chances of success.

Undersiege Broncos coach Anthony Seibold. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has engaged lawyers and will consult Queensland police over a scurrilous smear campaign the club believe is designed to destroy his chances of success at the Broncos.

Seibold released a statement through his lawyer Dave Garratt – of Howden Saggers Lawyers – on Tuesday addressing the social media rumours that have spread like wildfire in recent days.

“This statement is to address the allegations which have been recently made in relation to Brisbane Broncos coach, Anthony Seibold in the last twenty-four hours,” the statement said.

“Due to the allegations which have circulated online and in other forums, Mr. Seibold has engaged Dave Garratt of Howden Saggers Lawyers to act on his behalf. At the appropriate time, this matter will be reported to the Queensland Police Service and other appropriate authorities for their consideration.

“Given the nature of these matters both personal and legal, no further comment will be made until such time as it has been considered by the Queensland Police Service and other appropriate authorities.”

The relative of a Broncos legend has also been caught up in the damaging rumours.

Seibold is back in Brisbane, having spent the days after his side’s loss to South Sydney dealing with a family matter in Sydney.

He will spend two weeks in a COVID hold before returning to his duties with the club. However, Brisbane officials have had concerns over his mental health in recent weeks given the team’s poor performance and the whisper campaign that has been carried out on social media.

The Broncos have become a magnet for controversy this season and on Tuesday they wielded the axe when they decided to sack forward Tevita Pangai Jr after his ill-fated decision to head to the opening of a barbershop.

Pangai Jr was issued with a breach notice late on Tuesday and will have five days to respond should he choose to fight for his future at the club.

Rival clubs are already watching the situation as they eye off signing Pangai Jr – he is unable to play for another club this season because it is after the date for switching clubs.

A handful of clubs made a move for Pangai Jr before he signed a new deal with the Broncos. The Warriors were at the front of the queue and it would be no surprise if they made a move once he has finalised his departure from the Broncos.

Meanwhile, the club continues their search for a new chief executive when they are arguably at the lowest ebb in their history.

Former Broncos star Ben Ikin is favourite to replace outgoing CEO Paul White, confirming on Tuesday morning that he had submitted his resume for the position.

A member of the Broncos’ 2000 premiership team, Ikin has extensive administration experience and is a respected media commentator.

“I’m confident I can do the job but there will be some very impressive resumes come in,” he said.

Additional reporting: Travis Meyn