Andrew Johns has voiced his support for Anthony Seibold as head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles, despite speculation surrounding his potential departure from the club. Seibold’s time at Manly has been tumultuous; after missing the finals in 2023, the team faced an early exit in the 2024 playoffs. This season, a series of injuries has left Manly close to being out of finals contention, heightening the pressure on Seibold to secure his position.
Recently, there have been calls from former Manly players, including two-time premiership winner Anthony Watmough, advocating for Seibold’s replacement with popular ex-player Matt Ballin, who has experience coaching at the Brisbane Broncos and within the State of Origin setup. Johns, however, believes it would be premature to make a coaching change, considering the difficult circumstances of the season.
Johns remarked on the club’s complex internal politics and acknowledged Ballin’s admirable qualities, suggesting he could be a suitable replacement. Nevertheless, he underscored Seibold’s potential, pointing out that the team has struggled with significant injuries to key forwards, which have affected their performance. Notably, injuries to players like Taniela Paseka, Josh Aloiai, and Jake Trbojevic have disrupted the team’s stability.
Additionally, the impending departure of long-time captain Daly Cherry-Evans at the end of the season is another factor complicating the team’s situation. Johns commented on the uncertainty surrounding Cherry-Evans’ exit, emphasising the need for clarity, as it has created a distraction that may be impacting the team’s form.
As the Sea Eagles prepare to confront the Wests Tigers in a crucial matchup, the future of Seibold’s coaching tenure remains uncertain. While Johns has expressed faith in Seibold’s capabilities, the challenges faced this season could be pivotal in determining his future with the club.