Broncos finally swing axe on coach Seibold
former State of Origin sensation.
“With Val coming back off a fairly long lay-off, I just think getting him back into the swing of things and a position where he’s played a lot of football – on the wing – is the best for him in terms of getting him match ready,” he said.
“It’s such a demanding position physically, it’s one of and if not the hardest position on the field to play.
“With Hamiso he’s got a slight strain of his hamstring and, as someone with his athleticism, one of his strengths is his speed. We just wanted to err on the side of caution. He’s a young body and we don’t want to break these young kids.”
A calf injury to Jason Taumalolo has forced a shuffle in the forward pack, with Josh Mcguire shifting to lock and Francis Molo starting in the front line.
However Hannay has also made a host of changes due to form, with Murray Tualagi replacing Tom Opacic and Daejarn Asi returning at the expense of Ben Hampton.
Young hooker Reuben Cotter will get the chance to cement himself as a starter.
ANTHONY Seibold’s tenure as Brisbane Broncos coach is over and calls have intensified for Queensland legend Kevin Walters to take over.
Seibold will depart Broncos headquarters for the final time today after he addresses the club’s playing group about his premature exit.
Seibold, 45, is the shortestserving coach in Brisbane’s 32year history, lasting only 20 months into a five-year contract and finishing with a winning record of 37 per cent.
The Broncos are in 15th spot on the NRL ladder with three wins from 15 games and fighting to avoid the wooden spoon ahead of a daunting showdown with the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
Seibold’s position became untenable, with the Broncos brokering a severance package to farewell Wayne Bennett’s successor immediately.
Seibold yesterday ended a 14-day home quarantine after attending to a family matter in Sydney and made a brief appearance at the Broncos’ office.
He will return this morning and speak to the players about his departure before facing the media.
Assistant coach Peter Gentle will continue as interim coach for the remaining rounds of the NRL season.
The race is now on to become the fifth coach of the Broncos, with club favourite Walters and Cowboys premiership-winner Paul Green heading the candidates.
The Broncos’ largest private shareholder, Phil Murphy, said Walters had earned the right to have a crack at coaching his beloved club.
“Anthony Seibold has been too scientific for the players, it has all been too much for them,” he said.
“They just want to enjoy their football, not get hammered with stuff that is irrelevant. We have become the biggest rabble in Australian sport. It’s beyond belief.
“I fully support a change of coach. Kevvie is a good bloke five and a Broncos legend and he understands the club. Kevvie’s manner is what the club needs. He is happy-go-lucky. He can bring some harmony and culture back to the Broncos. If Kevvie got the job, it would be wonderful for the club.
“There are some great coaches in the game at the moment that could also be available. There are coaches out there who would love to come and raise the Broncos up to where they were.”
While the axe has fallen on Seibold, he is unlikely to be the only head to roll at Red Hill.
Chief executive Paul White, chairman Karl Morris and board member Darren Lockyer have been criticised for granting Seibold a five-year deal after one season coaching South Sydney.