Johnathan Thurston believes the sacking of head coach Anthony Seibold has “derailed” the Manly Sea Eagles‘ season.
The Brisbane Broncos, meanwhile, are facing the prospect of losing a second assistant coach in a week with Matt Ballin considered a hot chance to take over — but Michael Maguire and Adam Reynolds have both given him their blessing to take up the gig.
Manly confirmed the sacking of Seibold on Friday night, only three games into a two-year contract extension.
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Reacting to the news during Nine’s post-game coverage of the Battle of Brisbane on Friday night, Thurston had a grim take for the Manly faithful.
“I think it’s completely derailed their season three games in. They pulled the trigger so they clearly think that ‘Seibs’ isn’t going to get the best out of this playing group … I think this has completely derailed their season,” Thurston said.
“And they need to have a look at their roster, as well.”
Anthony Seibold was sacked by Manly Sam Mooy
The Broncos are already one assistant coach down after the sensational exit of Ben Te’o — their defence coach and blue shirt trainer — on Tuesday morning.
As Ballin was scurrying on and off the field at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night as the Broncos’ blue shirt fill-in, his name was being bandied around at Lang Park and afar as one of several candidates to replace Seibold at the Sea Eagles.
Ballin is Manly through and through. The unheralded hooker played 217 games in maroon and white and won an NRL premiership with the Sea Eagles in 2008. He actually scored the first try of the 2008 grand final, famously won by Manly 40-0.
Also in that grand final-winning team was Jason King, who’s now Manly’s chief executive officer.
Maguire, Brisbane’s head coach, was asked about the prospect of losing Ballin to Manly in Friday night’s post-match press conference.
“Look, I haven’t even spoken to Matty, but I want all my staff to excel in whatever it is that they do and what they wanna do,” Maguire said.
“So those things, if they arise, then we’ll talk about that.”
Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin pictured on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. NRL Imagery
Is Ballin ready to be an NRL head coach?
“Well, as an NRL coach, sometimes you’re not sure whether you are or you aren’t,” Maguire laughed.
“One thing I know, Matty’s a great human, great person, and those things come to people who work hard, and if it’s the right time, it’s the right time.”
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While Reynolds admitted it’d be disappointing in one regard to lose another assistant coach so soon after the Te’o exit, the veteran halfback said he’d also be happy for Ballin.
“Obviously you don’t want to lose another one, but I like seeing coaches get an opportunity and excel,” the Broncos skipper said.
Reynolds had high praise for Ballin.
Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic. NRL Imagery
“He’s a great coach. He’s done a lot of great things for us at the Bronx, he leads by example week to week, and he’s got a big future,” Reynolds said.
“He just does all the little things right.
“He understands the game; obviously he’s played at the top level for a long time.
“He’s done his apprenticeship under a few different coaches now, so he knows different styles as well, and how to get the best out of players.
“So if he gets the opportunity I’m sure he’ll be ready to take it.”
Brad Arthur, Michael Ennis and Jason Demetriou have also been linked to the Manly job.