The Sea Eagles horror loss to the Titans in Round 15 has shone a microscope on the position of coach Anthony Seibold — but the Manly club reportedly have a plan.
According to Code Sports, Seibold is safe for now despite his side going down to a struggling Titans outfit 28-8 in Round 15 with arguably their worst display of the season.
The 50-year-old is reportedly no certainty to remain at the helm of the Brookvale club until the end of the 2027 season, when his contract expires.
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Sea Eagles powerbrokers reportedly see league legend Michael Ennis as Seibold’s successor, with the former premiership-winning hooker currently in his coaching staff.
“(Seibold) has got a contract for another two years, but what do contracts mean for rugby league coaches?” Rothfield asked.
“There’s been 30 coaches sacked in 10 years, so that’s an average of three a year and there’s a few people in the firing line now.
“I don’t want to call for anyone’s sacking, but even though Des won on the weekend there’s huge speculation around him, Seibold and Adam O’Brien in Newcastle.
“For Seibold, I’m hearing there is a succession plan there whether it’s this year, next year or the year after.
“But Michael Ennis is on his staff there and they are very keen on what Michael can contribute to the club long term.
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“Maybe with Seibold in a football manager role, director of football… so let’s see that play out.”
Ennis has previously held assistant roles at the Raiders and Eels before he made the move to Manly, juggling his coaching commitments with his role on Fox League.
In 2023, Rothfield also explained he believes Ennis has a desire to one day become a head coach in the NRL.
“He’s a very busy man here at Fox but deep down I think he does want to be an NRL head coach,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
“I think he’s a really good appointment at Manly, he did great things at Canberra and Ricky Stuart didn’t want him to leave.”
While NRL360 host Braith Anasta added: “I know he’s got ambitions to coach”.
