The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles have paused contract negotiations with head coach Anthony Seibold amidst a string of three consecutive losses that has the Northern Beaches club sitting outside of the top eight.
Seibold’s Sea Eagles started the year strongly before falling to a 5-1-5 record going into Round 12. While their three losses have been by a combined nine points, it’s been enough for CEO Tony Mestrov and the Sea Eagles board to pause extension negotiations until results change.
The club and coach had been in preliminary negotiations surrounding a 12-month extension that would see Seibold remain on the peninsula until the end of 2026.
NRL journalist Michael Carayannis says it is smart that Manly are looking for recent results to change before continuing with discussions.
“They’re obviously outside the eight with a string of losses there so Manly have indicated to Seibold that we’re going to park those contract talks so I think it’s fair enough,” Carayannis told Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy.
“He didn’t make the finals last year, he might not make finals this year, so I’m not sure how that sets you up to be in a position of power when it comes to bargaining for a new contract. They want him there. I had them in my top four to start the year, so I think they’ve been pretty disappointing.
“I don’t think Anthony Seibold has done enough to guarantee a contract extension.”
The Sea Eagles finished last season in 12th with an 11-1-12 record and have continued a similar trend this year as they currently sit 11th. Both seasons, Seibold has had to contend with the loss of star fullback Tom Trbojevic to long-term injury.
While there is no suggestion Manly are looking to move Seibold on, former Manly assistant and ex-Parramatta head coach Brad Arthur is one option available along with former Rabbitohs’ coach Jason Demetriou and highly rated assistant Jason Ryles. Arthur’s son Jake plays for the Sea Eagles, and his contract expires the same time as Seibold’s.
Manly host the Melbourne Storm tonight in the third game of Indigenous Round, in what is a must-win, near sell-out, game.