How a trip to Europe helped Seibold land PNG job

Former Manly head coach Anthony Seibold has explained why he's decided to come back to the NRL after being appointed as an assistant coach of the PNG Chiefs.

On Friday, it was announced that the former Broncos and Rabbitohs coach would join Willie Peters at the NRL’s 19th side, seeing the pair reunite after working together at South Sydney, marking another moment in an eventful year for Seibold.

It was only four months ago that Seibold was given his marching orders by the Sea Eagles following a winless start through their first three matches.

Shortly after, he took up a coaching consulting position with Collingwood, seeing him work alongside Magpies coach Craig McRae and his staff during the AFL season.

But as the 51-year-old explains, it was during a trip to Europe with his wife, resulting in a catch-up with Peters that would help get the ball rolling on eventually agreeing to join his coaching staff.

“It's sort of come about (when) I took my wife over to Europe, for a couple of weeks there. Had a bit of a break after I finished at Manly,” Seibold explained on SEN 1170 and SENQ’s The Run Home.

“And, yeah, Willie (Peters) spoke to me then, and I just wanted to have a break mate (and) not think about footy.

“I've been doing some work for Collingwood, and I said to Will, I'd catch up with Michael Chammas (GM of Football) when I got back and we had a good catch-up.

 “Then myself, my wife and our youngest daughter went across to PNG for three days.

“I like the vision of Lorna (McPherson – Club CEO) and Michael (Chammas and where they) want to take the club.

"Talking to Willie (and) having a really close relationship with him, having worked with him previously, we're in constant contact over the last four years since he's been in Hull.

“So, got a good relationship there (and) got a good feel about the place.

“It's a unique coaching opportunity (and) it's gonna be bigger than just a game of Rugby League.”

Seibold now joins Parramatta Eels legend Luke Burt in Peters’ coaching staff for their inaugural season in 2028.

Both will officially start in November 2027.