Two in mix for spot at Manly

Contest for coach’s job

THE race to replace Des Hasler has become a straight shootout between Anthony Seibold and Josh Hannay.

Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov on Wednesday spoke with Hannay, who was earmarked by Hasler as his longterm successor at the club.

Hannay has strong connections with Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans through the Queensland Origin camp, where he has worked as an assistant under both Kevin Walters and now Billy Slater.

He is also an integral part of Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s staff, having helped the Sharks into a top-two finish.

Seibold, the former South Sydney and Brisbane coach, has also been identified as a potential long-term successor – and could even be parachuted into the top job as early as this month. He was an assistant at Manly and has strong support at the club, particularly in the playing ranks.

It is understood Manly hierarchy want Seibold to be the club’s long-term mentor but whether that is as an assistant to Hasler before taking over remains to be seen.

Hasler’s preferred option is to work closely with Cronulla assistant Hannay before Hannay becomes head coach, potentially in 2025 – granting Hasler’s wish of a 12-month extension.

But that extension is unlikely to be forthcoming.

Seibold had success in his one season at South Sydney before an ill-fated stint at Brisbane. He worked with Adam O’Brien at Newcastle last year and is part of Eddie Jones’s rugby staff in England.

Hasler’s future could be decided this week after owner Scott Penn arrived from New York to finalise the matter.

It’s understood Hasler approached Hannay several weeks ago but the Sharks assistant preferred to focus on Cronulla’s finals campaign.

The coaching plan gained momentum on Wednesday when Hannay met with Hasler and Mestrov, where the trio discussed the succession plan.

Hannay has kept Sharks head coach Craig Fitzgibbon abreast of his discussions with Manly and is likely to weigh up the proposal this weekend.

Cherry-Evans has distanced himself from the bunfight saying “there is really not much for me to elaborate on because nothing has changed”.

“I can only control how we go about playing next year,” he said.