Seibold secures long-term deal, eyes immediate win
Jacob Shteyman and Jasper Bruce |
Manly will reward coach Anthony Seibold with a long-term contract extension for taking the Sea Eagles back into the NRL semi-finals.
But the only thing on his mind is how to go even further by overcoming the rampaging Sydney Roosters.
The Tricolours have been the league’s most destructive attacking side this season and will be further bolstered by the return of hard-hitting forwards Victor Radley (injury) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspension).
The two premiership winners are big additions, Seibold conceded.
“But it doesn’t change our preparation in any way, shape or form,” he said.
“We expect to be at our best and them to be at their best tomorrow night.”
Manly were close to the best they’ve been this season in a gritty 24-22 win over Canterbury on Friday.
The result secured the Sea Eagles’ first semi-final appearance since 2021 and Seibold an offer to extend his stay at the helm.
Currently contracted until the end of 2025, he said he’d “definitely” like to stay at Brookvale long-term.
“The club’s indicated that they’d like me to say for another couple of years, which is great,” he told reporters.
“But look, (I’ve got) a really narrow focus on this Roosters game. And that’s why I had a short conversation over the last few weeks, and we’ll get that sorted in the off season.
“We’ve improved over the last two years, and for us to be down to now the last six with an opportunity to play in a big game and hopefully in front of about 40,000 for the guys, it’s great to be part of.”
Seibold will bring up 50 games for Manly on Saturday night and says he’s fallen in love with the culture and passion of the supporters on the insular peninsula.
“Being a team that, over history, has appeared in the finals quite a bit is great,” he said.
“I’ve got to say it’s a real honour to be the head coach here.”
The evergreen James Tedesco will bring up an even bigger milestone on Saturday, with the Roosters skipper set to play his 250th career game against the Sea Eagles.
“He’s had a huge impact,” said Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
“He’s our captain, our leader. He’s played an incredible style of play over that (time), the consistency which he’s played with.
“It hasn’t always been an easy road for him with injuries early and then the constant scrutiny that he’s been under. But he’s held a line throughout his career and to get 250, at his speed is a credit to him.
“I mentioned it earlier in the year, he came back earlier in the pre-season, earlier than he had to pre-Christmas and got to work. That showed in his form right from game one. He’s been leading the way.”
AAP