Unknown quantity
MEET the new NRL coach who is virtually anonymous throughout rugby league. Don’t be fooled though. Anthony Seibold could be the next big thing at Souths.
Seibold, 42, was officially announced yesterday as coach for the next two years.
Like his departed predecessor Michael Maguire, Seibold has a reputation for being focussed and thorough.
The appointment came as Souths officials strongly praised the amazing contribution of Maguire, who was dumped on Tuesday.
Winning 18 of the club’s past 52 games though ensured Maguire’s premature exit.
Few know about Seibold but he is ready to strive and succeed at Redfern.
“I’ve been a full-time coach now for 11 years but some people might not know who I am,” Seibold said.
“For people who don’t know who I am, I have worked really hard in those 11 years. I’d like to think I have built a really good reputation.
“I don’t consider myself to be a rookie coach.
“If you look at the AFL model, not all the best coaches in the AFL were elite players. You don’t have to have played for Australia to be an elite coach. I am pretty comfortable what I can bring to the group. It’s a real privilege to take this position.”
Seibold spoke to the players and club staff yesterday morning. There will be a staff review on Monday.
Seibold has coached in Super League, Holden Cup and Queensland Cup.
“I’ve done a long apprenticeship. I wouldn’t have said yes to the position unless I thought I could take the club forward,” he said.
“I’m ready to do this role.” Seibold claimed he had spoken to Maguire and denied any bad blood.
“I have known ‘Madge’ for 20 years,” Seibold said.
“I had a conversation with him yesterday afternoon and it was a tough conversation to have. He was really supportive of the opportunity that’s been presented to me. He was obviously very disappointed.”
Souths chairman Nick Pappas described the meeting between the board and Maguire on Tuesday as “pleasant and in good spirits” and that “everyone laughed at the end of the meeting.”