Latest news with #Seibold
The Age
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
‘The boys have his back': Manly star backs under-siege Seibold
One of the players in the Manly leadership group has broken his silence over the future of coach Anthony Seibold, declaring: 'The boys have his back, and he's got ours.' Haumole Olakau'atu was one of several Sea Eagles players to give up a rare free weekend to support the club's NSW Cup side at Accor Stadium on Saturday evening. Several NRL players, including Jason Saab and Lachie Croker, had been sent back to reserve grade by Seibold given first grade had the bye. The sight of Olakau'atu and the Trbojevic brothers – Tom, Jake and Ben – as well as Luke Brooks, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks and other players in the stands was a clear indication there was no division in the playing ranks. This masthead revealed during the week pressure was mounting on Seibold to keep his job after losses to the Eels, Titans and Knights in the past month. Seibold is contracted until the end of 2027, with Sea Eagles' CEO Tony Mestrov admitting: 'At the moment, Seibs is safe at this point; Seibs understands this as well as I do, it's all about winning games. Seibs is safe at this point.' Olakau'atu, who joined Tom and Jake and Daly Cherry-Evans in the leadership group over the summer, was backing Seibold to turn the club's fortunes around. 'I'm not worried about all that stuff,' Olakau'atu said.
Sydney Morning Herald
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘The boys have his back': Manly star backs under-siege Seibold
One of the players in the Manly leadership group has broken his silence over the future of coach Anthony Seibold, declaring: 'The boys have his back, and he's got ours.' Haumole Olakau'atu was one of several Sea Eagles players to give up a rare free weekend to support the club's NSW Cup side at Accor Stadium on Saturday evening. Several NRL players, including Jason Saab and Lachie Croker, had been sent back to reserve grade by Seibold given first grade had the bye. The sight of Olakau'atu and the Trbojevic brothers – Tom, Jake and Ben – as well as Luke Brooks, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks and other players in the stands was a clear indication there was no division in the playing ranks. This masthead revealed during the week pressure was mounting on Seibold to keep his job after losses to the Eels, Titans and Knights in the past month. Seibold is contracted until the end of 2027, with Sea Eagles' CEO Tony Mestrov admitting: 'At the moment, Seibs is safe at this point; Seibs understands this as well as I do, it's all about winning games. Seibs is safe at this point.' Olakau'atu, who joined Tom and Jake and Daly Cherry-Evans in the leadership group over the summer, was backing Seibold to turn the club's fortunes around. 'I'm not worried about all that stuff,' Olakau'atu said.
West Australian
12-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Dropped DCE has little to prove, but data says Manly do
Anthony Seibold insists Daly Cherry-Evans has nothing to prove following his State of Origin axing, as Manly try to right a poor run on the road against low-ranked teams. Cherry-Evans will play his first game on Friday night since being dropped as Queensland No.7, leading a near full-strength Sea Eagles side against Gold Coast. The 36-year-old's Origin omission has dominated headlines this week, with Cherry-Evans the first captain dropped mid-series by either state this century. Manly's No.7 has not spoken publicly, but played one of his best games of the year a fortnight ago against Brisbane when talk first emerged around his selection. Seibold did not want to delve into the debate around Queensland's decision to drop Cherry-Evans, but said the halfback had responded well. "He hasn't got anything to prove," the Manly coach said. "He's coming up somewhere around 340 games in the NRL, plus all the representative footy, so he doesn't have a point to prove to anybody. "There's obvious disappointment there, but there's also a great deal of pride. "(He's captained) his state 20 times and he's played 26 games for Queensland, so there's a lot to reflect on and look back and be proud about." Manly will have Tom Trbojevic back from a cork to his thigh, while winger Jason Saab will return from illness and Siua Taukeiaho a calf issue. That means the Sea Eagles enter Friday night as firm favourites, with the Titans in last place and without Origin representatives Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika. Recent history is, however, not kind to Manly in games they have been expected to win. Data from Sportsbet shows the Sea Eagles have lost their past four away games when considered favourites. Since August, Manly have given up 16-0 leads to Wests Tigers and Newcastle away from home, to go with losses to the Warriors and Parramatta. As if to underline their Jekyll-and-Hyde status, Manly have also beaten Canterbury twice away from home and Penrith once in that time after entering as outsiders. Speaking generally after being asked about the Sea Eagles' inconsistencies, Seibold was adamant his ninth-placed team was not alone in a salary cap-based competition. "They (the NRL) want an even competition, so that means there's going to be wins and losses along the way," he said. "I've never seen a competition where the top four or five sides all had losses by 40 points, and that's what we've got this year. "Everyone talks about inconsistency, but the NRL is designed to have an even competition, which means that if you win more than 50 per cent of your games you're going all right. "And if you're losing more than 50 per cent of your games there's always going to be a challenge for you. "I think we're right in that sweet spot. We've got a great opportunity with somewhere near our best squad this week."
The Advertiser
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Manly must overcome grim statistic to beat Broncos
Manly will need to overcome a grim statistic to defeat Brisbane, with the Sea Eagles winless when they are without both Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed on Friday morning illness had forced Saab into a casualty ward also featuring Trbojevic (quad), Siua Taukeiaho (calf), Jake Trbojevic (concussion) and Taniela Paseka (Achilles). The Sea Eagles will wait until game day to determine whether captain Daly Cherry-Evans backs up from State of Origin duty on Saturday night, with Jake Arthur on stand-by to play halfback. Manly have lost all nine games when both Saab and Trbojevic have not played since winger Saab's arrival from St George Illawarra in 2021, most recently falling to Cronulla in round six. They lost to Saturday night's opponent Brisbane without the duo last season before falling to the Sharks in a big round-27 loss. Trbojevic and Saab offer creative flair and pace out wide, the ability to start sets strongly out of yardage and are both aerial targets for Cherry-Evans' kicks close to the tryline. Clayton Faulalo looks set to replace Saab after originally being listed as 18th player for ninth-placed Manly. "We've had a bit of illness go around the group. Unfortunately we lost Benny Trbojevic to illness last week and we've lost Saaby to illness this week," Seibold said. Veteran forward Jake Trbojevic is tracking to return from an extended concussion lay-off to face Newcastle next Thursday and will likely be joined by Saab and Taukeiaho. The Broncos game may be the only one Tom Trbojevic misses, with the fullback set to take on light duties at Friday's captain's run as Seibold downplays his latest injury. "If it was a Sunday game (next weekend), it'd be 100 per cent certain that he'd play (against the Knights)," Seibold said. Seibold admitted it had been frustrating for Trbojevic that short-term injuries had impacted his availability for a hot-and-cold Manly side desperately in need of his guidance. The clash with Brisbane looms as especially crucial as Manly hope to bounce back from a demoralising loss to depleted cellar-dwellers Parramatta last week. "As important as this game is, we're not even halfway through the season yet. That's why we've been conservative with Turbo," Seibold said. "(The injuries) are frustrating for him because he's such a good pro. "This is the most minor injury or niggle but we need to look after him." Seibold heaped praise on Trbojevic's understudy Lehi Hopoate, who has lined up at fullback four times already this season. "We're a better side with 'Turbo' in, there's no doubt about that. But Lehi's been our most consistent player all season," Seibold said. "Whenever we've moved Lehi to fullback, he's done a really good job." Manly will need to overcome a grim statistic to defeat Brisbane, with the Sea Eagles winless when they are without both Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed on Friday morning illness had forced Saab into a casualty ward also featuring Trbojevic (quad), Siua Taukeiaho (calf), Jake Trbojevic (concussion) and Taniela Paseka (Achilles). The Sea Eagles will wait until game day to determine whether captain Daly Cherry-Evans backs up from State of Origin duty on Saturday night, with Jake Arthur on stand-by to play halfback. Manly have lost all nine games when both Saab and Trbojevic have not played since winger Saab's arrival from St George Illawarra in 2021, most recently falling to Cronulla in round six. They lost to Saturday night's opponent Brisbane without the duo last season before falling to the Sharks in a big round-27 loss. Trbojevic and Saab offer creative flair and pace out wide, the ability to start sets strongly out of yardage and are both aerial targets for Cherry-Evans' kicks close to the tryline. Clayton Faulalo looks set to replace Saab after originally being listed as 18th player for ninth-placed Manly. "We've had a bit of illness go around the group. Unfortunately we lost Benny Trbojevic to illness last week and we've lost Saaby to illness this week," Seibold said. Veteran forward Jake Trbojevic is tracking to return from an extended concussion lay-off to face Newcastle next Thursday and will likely be joined by Saab and Taukeiaho. The Broncos game may be the only one Tom Trbojevic misses, with the fullback set to take on light duties at Friday's captain's run as Seibold downplays his latest injury. "If it was a Sunday game (next weekend), it'd be 100 per cent certain that he'd play (against the Knights)," Seibold said. Seibold admitted it had been frustrating for Trbojevic that short-term injuries had impacted his availability for a hot-and-cold Manly side desperately in need of his guidance. The clash with Brisbane looms as especially crucial as Manly hope to bounce back from a demoralising loss to depleted cellar-dwellers Parramatta last week. "As important as this game is, we're not even halfway through the season yet. That's why we've been conservative with Turbo," Seibold said. "(The injuries) are frustrating for him because he's such a good pro. "This is the most minor injury or niggle but we need to look after him." Seibold heaped praise on Trbojevic's understudy Lehi Hopoate, who has lined up at fullback four times already this season. "We're a better side with 'Turbo' in, there's no doubt about that. But Lehi's been our most consistent player all season," Seibold said. "Whenever we've moved Lehi to fullback, he's done a really good job." Manly will need to overcome a grim statistic to defeat Brisbane, with the Sea Eagles winless when they are without both Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed on Friday morning illness had forced Saab into a casualty ward also featuring Trbojevic (quad), Siua Taukeiaho (calf), Jake Trbojevic (concussion) and Taniela Paseka (Achilles). The Sea Eagles will wait until game day to determine whether captain Daly Cherry-Evans backs up from State of Origin duty on Saturday night, with Jake Arthur on stand-by to play halfback. Manly have lost all nine games when both Saab and Trbojevic have not played since winger Saab's arrival from St George Illawarra in 2021, most recently falling to Cronulla in round six. They lost to Saturday night's opponent Brisbane without the duo last season before falling to the Sharks in a big round-27 loss. Trbojevic and Saab offer creative flair and pace out wide, the ability to start sets strongly out of yardage and are both aerial targets for Cherry-Evans' kicks close to the tryline. Clayton Faulalo looks set to replace Saab after originally being listed as 18th player for ninth-placed Manly. "We've had a bit of illness go around the group. Unfortunately we lost Benny Trbojevic to illness last week and we've lost Saaby to illness this week," Seibold said. Veteran forward Jake Trbojevic is tracking to return from an extended concussion lay-off to face Newcastle next Thursday and will likely be joined by Saab and Taukeiaho. The Broncos game may be the only one Tom Trbojevic misses, with the fullback set to take on light duties at Friday's captain's run as Seibold downplays his latest injury. "If it was a Sunday game (next weekend), it'd be 100 per cent certain that he'd play (against the Knights)," Seibold said. Seibold admitted it had been frustrating for Trbojevic that short-term injuries had impacted his availability for a hot-and-cold Manly side desperately in need of his guidance. The clash with Brisbane looms as especially crucial as Manly hope to bounce back from a demoralising loss to depleted cellar-dwellers Parramatta last week. "As important as this game is, we're not even halfway through the season yet. That's why we've been conservative with Turbo," Seibold said. "(The injuries) are frustrating for him because he's such a good pro. "This is the most minor injury or niggle but we need to look after him." Seibold heaped praise on Trbojevic's understudy Lehi Hopoate, who has lined up at fullback four times already this season. "We're a better side with 'Turbo' in, there's no doubt about that. But Lehi's been our most consistent player all season," Seibold said. "Whenever we've moved Lehi to fullback, he's done a really good job."
West Australian
30-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Sea Eagles hope to have Tom Trbojevic back next week, but there's one thing that could get in the way
Anthony Seibold hopes to have skipper Daly Cherry-Evans back on deck for their big game against Brisbane on Saturday night, with the Sea Eagles coach hopeful that Tom Trbojevic will miss just one match as the club takes a conservative approach with their most important player. Cherry-Evans will be given until Saturday evening to make a final call on his availability, with the Sea Eagles missing a stack of stars for what will be their first NRL match against the Broncos at Brookvale since 2014. Trbojevic was ruled out on Tuesday after he aggravated the corked thigh that has been troubling him in recent weeks, with the superstar fullback tracking well to return for their next game against the Knights. 'The only thing that would hurt that is that we're on a five-day turnaround,' Seibold said. 'If it was a Sunday game, it would be 100 per cent certain that he'd play, so that'd be the only consideration that the medical staff have told me. 'He'll get moving again today. It's exactly the same issue he's had for a few weeks with that leg. He just needed a rest and will hopefully be right for next Thursday night. It's not a long-term injury.' The thigh issue is the latest setback for one of the game's most exciting players, with Trbojevic managing just one 20-game season since the start of 2019. The former Dally M winner has dealt with hamstring and knee issues over his career, and Seibold concedes the constant attention on Trbojevic's health has taken a toll. 'He is (frustrated). He's a very diligent guy and an extremely elite professional when it comes to his preparation and his reconditioning and his recovery and so on,' he said. 'Injuries are a part of the game. We're a contact sport, so this happens. If you look across the competition, this happens every week. 'Turbo gets put in the spotlight a lot, so that would make him feel uncomfortable that it's always in the news. 'This is the most minor injury or niggle, but we've got to look after him. As important as this game is, we're not even halfway through the season so that's why we're being conservative with Turbo.' He won't be the only Trbojevic missing on Saturday with Jake still in concussion protocols, while Seibold confirmed winger Jason Saab (illness) would miss the match between two teams fighting for a spot in the top eight. 'It's difficult because you want your best players on the park,' he said. 'We're down a couple of troops, but it shouldn't matter. We've got great belief in the guys that we put in the jersey, so I expect a really wholehearted performance. '(I want to see) a Manly performance where we're not looking at the scoreboard, we're showing lots of effort and we're having a crack for our mates and we make it really uncomfortable for the opposition, regardless who they are.'
