Anthony Seibold returns to rugby league in NRL head coaching position

Drew Darbyshire
Anthony Seibold Manly Sea Eagles PA

NRL club Manly Sea Eagles have appointed Anthony Seibold as their new head coach, marking his return to rugby league after spending time with England rugby union.

The 48-year-old has most recently been working as defence coach for the England rugby union national team. Former Hull coach Brett Hodgson will replace Seibold in Eddie Jones’ backroom staff.

Manly have brought in Shane Flanagan and Jim Dymock as Seibold’s assistants. The trio have signed three-year deals with the club.

Seibold makes his return to the NRL head coaching ranks, succeeding Des Hasler as Manly boss. He has previously been the head coach of Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Manly boss delighted to appoint Anthony Seibold

Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov said: “Anthony has an incredible knowledge of the game and knows what is required at the highest level.

“We believe Anthony is the ideal person to lead this very talented and strong playing group to achieve success in the years ahead.

“Shane brings a wealth of experience to the club and has a great understanding of the pressure and demands associated with the NRL. He will be invaluable to Anthony and the Sea Eagles.

“Jim has an enormous amount of respect across the NRL, both as a former player and as a coach. He knows what needs to be done, having represented New South Wales, Australia and Tonga. He is also a Clive Churchill Medal winner.

“We welcome Anthony, Shane and Jim to the Sea Eagles. There is plenty of exciting times ahead at Manly.”

Flanagan coached Cronulla Sharks over eight seasons, winning the NRL Premiership in 2016. He has been helping coach Papua New Guinea at the World Cup.

A former NRL Premiership winner, Dymock has worked as an assistant coach at Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans.

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