A former Knights mentor is reportedly being tipped to succeed Anthony Seibold as Sea Eagles head coach, and it’s not Adam O’Brien despite his imminent arrival in the Hunter.

According to Code Sports, O’Brien has signed on to become one of Seibold’s assistant coaches, with Steven Hales set to go the opposite way and join Justin Holbrook in Newcastle.

However, it’s Willie Peters who has reportedly been identified as Manly’s target to take over from Seibold in the future.

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Peters is enjoying a successful stint with Hull KR in the Super League, winning the League Leaders’ Shield as well as the Challenge Cup in June.

Seibold, meanwhile, has two years left on his current contract but his position has consistently been under scrutiny, with Manly bosses going public to reveal he will remain at the helm in 2026.

Michael Ennis was previously floated as a potential successor, however Peters, who has previously had a stint as Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs and Knights assistant is leading the race.

“It’s interesting… Adam O’Brien is ready to come in, and O’Brien worked with Anthony Seibold in Newcastle,” veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

A replacement for Anthony Seibold once his contract expires has reportedly been identified.Source: Getty Images

“He’s going to come in and help out as an assistant. However long term I am told by really, really reliable sources that Willie Peters from Hull KR… has been earmarked as the long-term replacement for Seibold.

“Now Scott Penn is on record as saying Seibold is there for the next couple of years, that’s why Peters won’t come back immediately.

“But I reckon by 2027, around that period, he is going to be coaching the Sea Eagles.”

Meanwhile, Peters has reportedly been hired by Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters to join his coaching staff for this year’s Ashes tour.

Walters was reportedly seeking one Super League mentor to provide insight into English rugby league, with Brad Arthur also being floated for the role.

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However, the former Broncos head coach picked the in-form Peters.

“He’s so good Kevvie Walters has picked him up to work on his coaching staff with the Kangaroos on this tour of England,” Rothfield said.

“Really, really important to have a man who knows the form of the English players so well. Knows what conditions to expect over there.

“He will be able to give away a lot of good inside intelligence on the English players. I think Willie Peters is a really good guy for Manly to identify.”