Anthony Seibold set for NRL comeback in new coaching role

Former Manly coach Anthony Seibold is reportedly on the verge of securing an NRL coaching lifeline, with the PNG Chiefs preparing to appoint him to their inaugural coaching staff.

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Seibold is expected to join the expansion franchise as a senior assistant under head coach Willie Peters as the club continues building its football department ahead of its entry into the competition accoridng to reports at CODE Sports.

The former Broncos and Sea Eagles mentor is reportedly set to visit Port Moresby with his wife in the coming days as part of the club’s recruitment process, with a deal believed to be close.

Should the appointment be finalised, it would mark Seibold’s first full-time rugby league coaching role since his departure from Manly earlier this season.

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The 50-year-old was replaced at Manly after a disappointing start to the 2026 campaign, with Kieran Foran initially taking over on an interim basis before later being confirmed as the Sea Eagles’ permanent head coach.

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Since leaving Brookvale, Seibold has remained involved in elite sport, spending time in a consultancy role with AFL powerhouse Collingwood.

The move would also reunite Seibold with Willie Peters, with the pair having previously worked together during their time at South Sydney.

Seibold’s appointment would be another significant addition for the ambitious PNG Chiefs, who have already assembled an impressive coaching team while also making headlines with their aggressive recruitment drive.

The expansion club has already secured the signatures of Jarome Luai, Connor Watson, Alex Johnston and Matty Lees, while Joey Manu and Zac Lomax have also emerged as major recruitment targets as preparations continue for the franchise’s inaugural season.

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