‘WE PLAYED PART’
On-field effort a factor
BRISBANE skipper Patrick Carrigan says the playing group’s poor on-field performances played a part in Anthony Seibold’s demise, but rejected claims of a concerted effort to move him on.
Seibold (inset) on Wednesday announced he was stepping down as head coach of the Broncos following a tumultuous 20 months with the club.
The Broncos have endured their worst season ever in 2020, sitting second-last on the ladder with just five rounds to go, with a 3-12 win-loss -loss record.
Carrigan said aid the players ac- - cepted some responsibility for Seibold’s exit, but said it ultimately came e down to a per- rsonal decision made ade by their former r head coach.
“We played a part, to be fair,” Carrigan said.
“We haven’t performed, there’s no sugar coating that.
“We’re three from (12). That’s on us and there’s no hiding from that.
“It has been addressed and coming forward into the off season there will be some stuff addressed around how we performed as a team.
“I wouldn’t say that there was anything regarding the players to move Seibs on.
“That was a personal decision and something he’s at heart with.”
Carrigan also hit back at criticism over the lack of social media posts surrounding Seibold’s exit from the club.
“To be fair, it would be a little embarrassing if you took to social media to be able to voice your opinion of Seibs and tell him what you’re grateful for,” he said.
“All the players had their own conversations with Seibs over the hour he was here.
“I’ve had conversations with Seibs about how I was grateful for everything he’s done for me but I don’t think the testament of the coach stands for how many boys posted a pic on social media, saying that they’re grateful for him.” Brisbane’s drama-filled week doe doesn’t get any easier on Friday night whe when they come up ag against back-toback premiers the Sydney Roosters. R
The players are ar well aware the NRL microscope will be firmly on them now with Seibold no longer at a the helm.
“I’m a big believer that as a playing group, we determine how we go each week and the results that we put forward,” Carrigan said.
“At the end of the day, regardless of who’s in charge, the players have to go out and play footy.
“We’re the ones that pull on the jersey and go out and play.
“If you’re getting picked in the team, you’re there to do a job and that job’s to get a win.
“There’s been some changes at the club regarding staff and where the club’s moving forward as a business, but we’d be kidding ourselves as a playing group if we weren’t having similar, honest conversations with ourselves and as a team.”