NRL fans are calling out the timing of the Manly Sea Eagles’ decision to part ways with coach Anthony Seibold only hours after reports claimed Willie Peters has agreed to take the PNG Chiefs role. On Friday night, it was confirmed Manly had axed head coach Seibold after three straight losses at home to start the season.
Former halfback Daly Cherry-Evans’ first game back at Brookvale Oval turned out to be Seibold’s last with the Roosters winning 33-16 on Thursday night. And the club’s hierarchy opted to make the call 24 hours after the game in a bid to get the season on track before it gets away from them.
The Manly Sea Eagles won’t get a chance to sign highly-respected coach Willie Peters (pictured middle) after the axing of coach Anthony Seibold (pictured right) with the Hull KR coach reportedly agreeing to join the PNG Chiefs. (Images: Getty Images)
However, many fans have questioned the timing of the decision and where it leaves Manly. If Manly had made the call ahead of the season, after the Sea Eagles failed to make the top eight last year, then they could have been given a green light to go for a number of available coaches. Arguably the biggest name on the market is Peters.
The Aussie coach took Hull KR to the Super League title, before stunning the Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge this year. Many fans were waiting to see where the talented manager would land back in the NRL with a number of coaches under pressure to start the season.
Although on the same day Seibold was sacked, reports claimed Peters had agreed to take over the job for 2028. This would see him leave the Hull job to help build the PNG Chiefs roster next year. When asked about it at a press conference back in England, Peters remained coy on the topic.
However, it seems Manly’s decision to wait till three games into the season rules Peters out of contention. Then there is the string of coaches who joined new teams this year. Justin Holbrook and Josh Hannay were both popular appointments made by clubs pulling the trigger before the end of the 2025 season.
Anthony Seibold (pictured right) has parted ways with the Manly Sea Eagles.
(Jason McCawley via Getty Images)
Manly also had a bye last week. If the call had been made after the round two defeat it would have gifted an interim coach time to work with the squad. Manly’s decision three games in has left them in a bind, but there are frontrunners emerging. Brad Arthur, Matt Ballin and Michael Ennis have quickly become early contenders to take the role.
While Seibold’s assistant Jim Dymock and Brett Kimmorley have been tipped as possible interim replacements. The announcement will be made on Saturday. Regardless, fans have been left stunned at the timing of the decision and claimed Manly’s hesitation may have cost them the best coach on the market.
Michael Ennis responds to interest for interim role
Speaking during Fox Sports’ live cover of the Warriors and Wests Tigers game, Ennis admitted he hadn’t been contacted over any role at the Sea Eagles. Ennis joined the Dragons as an assistant having done some work under Seibold. But the former Bulldogs and Sharks No.9 admitted he was only focusing on the job ahead of him this weekend.
“It’s obviously extremely disappointing for Anthony,” Ennis said on Fox League. “I haven’t put any thought into it. I am completely and utterly focused on our game, which is an important one for us at the Dragons (against Gold Coast) on Sunday.”