Anthony Seibold has been dismissed as the head coach of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, effective Friday night, following the team's winless start to the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season. The decision came after the Sea Eagles lost their opening three home games, including a 33-16 defeat to the Sydney Roosters on Thursday. Kieran Foran, a former player and assistant coach, has been appointed interim head coach.
Seibold's Early Exit and Performance Woes
Anthony Seibold's dismissal three games into the 2026 season makes him the earliest coach to be removed in an NRL season since Jason Taylor in 2017. He is also the third NRL coach in history to be dismissed within the first month of a season. The club cited a lack of improvement and the winless start to the season as reasons for the decision, stating an aim to allow time to salvage the season.
Fan dissatisfaction was reported during Thursday's match against the Roosters, with chants directed at the coach.
The loss on Thursday marked the first time since 2004 that the Sea Eagles had lost their first three games of a season at 4 Pines Park.
Contract and Tenure Overview
Seibold was three games into a contract extension that was set to keep him in the head coach role until at least the end of the 2027 season. He had signed this extension after guiding the Sea Eagles to the second week of the finals in 2024. Seibold had assumed the coaching role in 2023, and over his tenure, he achieved a 48% winning rate, with 37 wins, 38 losses, and two draws.
Official Statements and Seibold's Response
The Sea Eagles issued a statement expressing disappointment with the team's start to the 2026 season and confirmed the immediate departure of Seibold. Chairman Scott Penn and CEO Jason King were scheduled to address media representatives on Saturday at 11am AEDT to discuss the exit.
Following Thursday's loss, when questioned about his future, Seibold stated:
"I can't control that decision, I mean, only Scott and the ownership group can control that, so there's no point in wasting any energy or time on that."
He also mentioned his investment of time in the club and his belief in the group's potential, noting that his contract extension had meant his future was not a focus.
Kieran Foran Steps Up as Interim Coach
Kieran Foran, a former Manly player and a recent addition to Seibold's coaching staff, has been appointed as interim head coach. This marks Foran's first head-coaching role. The 35-year-old played 196 games for Manly across two stints and was part of the club's last premiership-winning team. His first game as coach is scheduled for Thursday night's round-five match against the Dolphins. Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn expressed confidence in Foran, citing his recent playing experience and commitment to the club.
Player Reactions to the Dismissal
Sea Eagles player Jamal Fogarty stated that he considered the decision to dismiss Seibold harsh, believing Seibold should have been given more time to improve the team's performance. Fogarty, who indicated Seibold influenced his move to the club, commented that the playing group shared responsibility for the outcome, stating they had "let our coach down." He further noted that coaches are not responsible for on-field errors and believed 21 games remained to turn the season around.
Club captain Tom Trbojevic also contacted Seibold to express an apology, conveying the playing group's regret for not delivering expected performances and stating the team felt "responsible and accountable" for the situation.
The Search for a Long-Term Coach
Speculation has begun regarding a long-term head coach. Potential candidates for the full-time position from 2027 include:
- Brad Arthur, recognized for his defensive work as an assistant in 2013 and extensive experience from 10 seasons at Parramatta and recent coaching roles in England.
- Matt Ballin, a former Manly player and premiership winner, currently serves as a Brisbane assistant and reportedly has support from various club figures.
- Michael Ennis is also considered.
Willie Peters, who was previously a potential candidate, has accepted a position as the inaugural PNG Chiefs coach and is no longer being considered.
Seibold's Future Coaching Prospects
Seibold's immediate return to the National Rugby League (NRL) is considered unlikely, given most teams have established coaching staffs. His prior departure from the Brisbane Broncos in 2020, which involved a reported $1 million payout, and reported animosity with Michael Maguire, linked to rumors regarding Maguire's involvement in Maguire's 2018 departure from South Sydney, could factor into this.
Seibold has prior experience in rugby union, having served on England's coaching staff between 2021 and 2022. Speculation suggests Rugby Australia could consider him as a defensive specialist coach for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Japanese head coach Eddie Jones, under whom Seibold previously worked, confirmed that Seibold is under consideration to join Japan's national team coaching staff. Coaching in the Super League in the United Kingdom is another potential option, with clubs like the Huddersfield Giants reportedly seeking a new coach.
Roster Changes and Future Outlook
The club's last premiership was 15 years ago. There is an expectation of roster changes at Brookvale, with only nine players currently confirmed beyond next season. Several young prospects are currently in development within the club, including:
- Joey Walsh
- Simione Laiafi
- Onitoni Large
- Hugo Hart
- Tolu Koula
- Lehi Hopoate
- Haumole Olakau'atu