Eagles’ shock Daley move
Former Test skipper in line to join club as consultant
MANLY has started preliminary discussions with former Test and NSW captain Laurie Daley about joining the club as a consultant from next season.
There are several obstacles to overcome but Daley is known to have an interest in the part-time role which would potentially centre around roster management and pathways.
It is understood Daley and Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov have spoken.
Manly is hoping – as an outsider – Daley could offer an independent view on multiple levels within the Sea Eagles’ organisation.
The approach comes as Manly readies itself to announce Anthony Seibold as new head coach.
Daley must first secure a full job description before mulling over his decision.
He must also seek support from his employer – the TABaligned Sky Sports Radio – given Manly’s major sponsor is PointsBet.
And the NRL will also need to approve Daley’s possible move to Manly.
In 2019, the NRL blocked a move by Wests Tigers to employ Daley as the club’s halves coach due to his links to the betting industry.
Daley is a current Australian selector and helped coach Mal Meninga pick the Kangaroos’ World Cup squad.
No offer has been lodged but Manly was buoyed after gauging Daley’s interest. Manly’s majority owners, the Penn family, have a high opinion of Daley.
While his brief hasn’t been finalised, Daley would not be part of Manly’s coaching team.
This isn’t the first time Daley has been linked to Manly.
He was interviewed for Manly’s top job back in 2016 before withdrawing from the process with Trent Barrett eventually named head coach.
Manly’s decision to chase Daley is not dependent on who coaches Manly next season.
Since February 2018, Daley, the former NSW State of Origin coach, has been co-host of the Big Sports Breakfast radio show – which airs on Sky Sports Radio – alongside former Test cricket captain Michael Clarke and sports broadcaster Gerard Middleton.
Des Hasler is this week expected to reveal whether he will coach – as the club has demanded – with Seibold in 2023 before departing the club.
Seibold would take over in 2024.
If Hasler decides the situation has become untenable and walks away, which is becoming increasingly likely, Seibold would take over immediately. Hasler has certainly garnered plenty of support among Manly fans.
An online petition calling for him to be retained as head coach has attracted nearly 2500 signatures.