Sea Eagles Scramble: Who Will Replace Seibold in the Manly Hot Seat?
The Manly Sea Eagles have made a seismic decision, parting ways with head coach Anthony Seibold just three rounds into the new season. This abrupt change presents the club with a crucial opportunity to reassess its direction and identify the ideal candidate to steer the ship. While Seibold’s tenure has ended prematurely, the groundwork for his eventual departure arguably should have been laid at the close of the 2025 season. However, chairman Scott Penn and the board opted to persist with the embattled coach for another year, a decision that proved to be a miscalculation as the Sea Eagles stumbled to three consecutive home losses to commence the current campaign.
Following Seibold’s termination on Friday, Manly has embarked on a search for a new head coach. Indications from a press conference on Saturday morning suggest that interim coach Kieran Foran will be given a significant chance to impress. However, the question remains: who else is in contention for this high-profile role? Here are eight potential candidates that the Sea Eagles’ board and key decision-makers should be seriously considering.
The Contenders: A Deep Dive into Potential Candidates
Kevin Walters
One of the more unexpected names that could emerge is Kevin Walters. Currently at the helm of the Australian national team, Walters previously guided the Brisbane Broncos to a grand final appearance in his last club coaching stint. His tenure with the Broncos concluded after a disappointing 2024 season, leading to his dismissal. Since then, he has been balancing media commitments with his role coaching the Kangaroos, whom he took over in 2025 ahead of the Ashes series. With a World Cup on the horizon this year, which he will coach, Walters has openly expressed his ambition to remain a career coach, preferably back in the NRL. His coaching acumen is undeniable, having demonstrated it with the Broncos. The key question, however, is his suitability for a club like Manly. His strong association with the Broncos, and lingering questions from fans, administrators, and players alike upon his departure from Red Hill, might raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, a diligent recruitment process would likely see the Sea Eagles at least engage with him.
John Morris
Currently with the Wests Tigers, John Morris has prior head coaching experience with the Cronulla Sharks, where he oversaw 51 games, securing 24 victories. His departure from the Sharks was under somewhat unusual circumstances, making way for Craig Fitzgibbon’s arrival, despite the team’s respectable performance that year. Morris has consistently received praise for his coaching abilities, both as a head and assistant coach. The Tigers appear to be in good form at the start of 2026, hinting at his positive influence. Furthermore, he had a productive period at South Sydney before a falling out with then-head coach Jason Demetriou. A former utility player with 300 first-grade games to his name, Morris never played for Manly, but he could offer the club a fresh perspective and certainly warrants another opportunity as a head coach.
Geoff Toovey
The phrase “There has to be an investigation” is indelibly linked to Geoff Toovey. In this instance, the only investigation required is why a coach with a commendable 58% win rate over four years at the helm of Manly has not been given another chance in the coaching arena. Considering the number of individuals who have been afforded multiple opportunities in the interim, this oversight appears quite remarkable. While 2015 was a challenging year for the Sea Eagles, their success has not significantly improved since his departure. Toovey has since had stints with Bradford and coached Samoa internationally. The club could certainly do worse than consider a figure who intimately understands the “Manly way” for a second spell in charge. Having played all 286 of his first-grade games for Manly (or the Northern Eagles), he possesses the intimate knowledge the club might need right now.
Michael Ennis
It didn’t take long for Michael Ennis’s name to be linked with the Sea Eagles’ coaching vacancy following the confirmation of Seibold’s exit. Ennis served as an assistant coach under Seibold until the end of last year before moving to the Dragons. His departure was widely understood to be met with favour by the playing group. When questioned on Fox Sports’ Friday night NRL coverage about his interest, Ennis, predictably, remained tight-lipped. He could very well be a candidate for the Dragons’ head coaching role, a club where he previously played, and speculation will undoubtedly intensify if Shane Flanagan’s side continues to struggle. However, it’s a safe bet that Manly will be making inquiries to gauge his interest.
Jason Demetriou
Jason Demetriou faced significant criticism towards the end of his tenure with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and has not had another opportunity in the NRL since. This is perhaps unsurgrivable given the commentary surrounding his player and squad management that accompanied his sacking. He is currently coaching the London Broncos in England and was a contender for the PNG Chiefs role, but that position ultimately went to Willie Peters. Demetriou would undoubtedly have been approached by Manly had he secured the Chiefs role. With him now available, there’s a reasonable chance the Sea Eagles will explore his interest. While he might not be the front-runner, if the club is seeking experience and the ability to guide a team into the finals, Demetriou possesses those credentials.
Kieran Foran
The Sea Eagles have the remainder of the current season to determine if appointing Kieran Foran as a full-time coach, at the age of 35 and just months after concluding his playing career, aligns with their ambitions. Even in an interim capacity, Foran is set to become one of the NRL’s youngest head coaches, marking a remarkably swift transition from player to coach. While this rapid shift isn’t necessarily detrimental, it represents a significant risk. If successful, and it’s certainly possible given Foran’s intelligence and extensive experience, it could be hailed as a masterstroke, potentially reshaping how former players are viewed in the coaching landscape. However, the possibility of it not working out is also a considerable concern. This is a delicate situation for Foran; he must rally the team for six months during what could be a challenging season, especially after the club has already suffered three home defeats.
Matt Ballin
As the second former Manly player on this list, Matt Ballin might be the more probable choice for the club. Ballin already has the endorsement of Michael Maguire to leave his current role with the Brisbane Broncos should the Sea Eagles make an approach, which is hardly surprising. Numerous respected judges have identified Ballin as a future head coach, even if not immediately. A player who spent the majority of his career at the Sea Eagles and is now making his mark in coaching suggests a narrative that could easily unfold. His reputation as a hardworking player suggests he could be the type of individual to lift the standards of Manly’s forward pack, which has struggled during Seibold’s tenure. It’s even conceivable that Ballin and Foran could collaborate, unless Manly manages to secure a coach with substantial, established experience.
Brad Arthur
Arguably the most accomplished option readily available to the Sea Eagles is Brad Arthur. While he may not have secured a premiership during his tenure with the Eels, it’s felt that Manly requires genuine, proven head coaching experience. The other candidates generally bring a more limited track record. Arthur has been in England since departing the Eels but has made no secret of his desire to return to the NRL. Manly appears to be seeking stability, something Arthur is well-equipped to provide. It’s a role he would likely embrace, particularly given its location within the Sydney metropolitan area. The primary concern from Manly’s perspective is the absence of a premiership during his decade at Parramatta and the fact that he isn’t a “Manly person.” However, this very detachment might be precisely what the club needs to move forward.
