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Seibold inks two-year deal to oversee Sea Eagles transition
Scott Bailey, AAP • December 17th, 2024 11:32 am
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Anthony Seibold will be given the chance to look after Manly's trickiest transition period in more than a decade, after inking a two-year extension as coach.
Mooted earlier this year before talks were put on hold mid-season, Seibold officially put pen to paper this week on a deal that will see him stay at Brookvale until 2027.
Seibold's contract comes after the Sea Eagles took steps forward in his first year in charge in 2023 after the previous season's Pride Jersey saga, before reaching the second week of the finals in 2024.
The deal will make Seibold's tenure the longest at Manly since Des Hasler's first stint between 2004 and 2011, which took them from the verge of extinction to premiership giants.
"I think everyone has clearly seen the improvement in the playing group over the last 24 months," Seibold said.
"We have had year upon year gains on both sides of the footy.
"We want to continue to grow and improve, and that is the opportunity we have got over this pre-season going into 2025."
Manly struggled through the transition out of Hasler's premiership-winning teams, missing the finals in 2015, 2016 and 2018 as a host of veterans bowed out.
Another challenge now awaits the Sea Eagles.
Daly Cherry-Evans will decide in the coming months whether he will retire after next season, or play on beyond his 37th birthday and into 2026.
Cherry-Evans is the longest-serving halfback at any NRL club, and has been at the helm of Manly's attack since 2011.
Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Manly's forwards leader for close to a decade, Jake Trbojevic, will be nearing 33 when he comes off contract at the end of 2026.
Seibold's new deal means he will be given the chance to navigate through that period at Brookvale.
Manly have signed promising young halves Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh, but the most likely option is Tom Trbojevic moving to five-eighth.
That would allow Lehi Hopoate to be given the No.1 jersey, where he is viewed as the long-term talent for the team's next generation.
They have also made a point to sign up forwards long term, with Haumole Olakau'atu (2031) and Taniela Paseka (2029) both extended in the past year.
There is a view at the club that the salary cap will open up for them in 2027, allowing a chance to make a heavy dent in the market next November.
"We have got some stability in our environment in regards to staff and players," Seibold said.
"To have my contract extended out for another couple of years is something that I was really keen to do.
"I have enjoyed my coaching immensely since I came here two years ago."
