Anthony Seibold reveals which England rugby union star would make it in the NRL

Josh McAllister 15 Nov 2022 3:42 PM

Newly appointed Manly Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold has identified England rugby union star Tom Curry as a player who would be successful in the code switch.

Seibold, 48, is currently the defensive coach for England’s national rugby union side under Eddie Jones. He will remain with the side until the end of the Autumn Nations Series, at which point he returns to Australian rugby league to become head coach of Manly.

The dual-international coach selected 24-year-old flanker Curry as a player who would have the biggest impact in the rival code out of all of the current England squad.

Curry has won 43 caps on the international scene, plying his club trade with Sale Sharks.

“It’s hard to pick! I’ve always said Tom Curry would be an outstanding rugby league player,” Seibold said.

“I think he’s one of the world’s best rugby players in either code, full-stop.

“I have great admiration for his toughness, work ethic and skill level. He’s an outstanding player and I’m looking forward to Tom showing that against the All Blacks on Saturday.”

Seibold is signing off his 13-month spell with England with two final assignments. The side face heavyweights New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham.

Anthony Seibold to take charge of Manly in 2023

Seibold was appointed head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles following the sacking of Des Hasler in October. He joins on a three-year deal, leading them in 2023 and allowing him to reunite with his family back in Australia.

He leaves just a year before the Rugby Union World Cup, which begins next September in France.

“It was a really difficult call,” he said. “I’ve invested a lot of time in this group over the last 18 months and wanted to see it out until the World Cup.

“Initially, I had agreed to join Manly in 2024 but that was brought forward by 12 months due to the situation in the club.

“Sometimes in life you have to make decisions that are really difficult and this is one that I ultimately wanted to make, albeit with a lot of regret about missing the next 11 months through to the World Cup.

“It’s been a wonderful experience working for Eddie, he is an elite coach. He’s a master coach.”

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Anthony Seibold to take charge of Manly in 2023

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