I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS GOING: Manly Sea Eagles NRL Head Coach Anthony Seibold had Submitted Resignation letter to….view more…

In a startling turn of events, rumors are swirling around the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles about their head coach, Anthony Seibold, having submitted a resignation letter. The whispers, which first surfaced in unofficial circles, have sparked shock and confusion among fans and analysts alike — especially given recent developments that suggest just the opposite trajectory for Seibold. Here’s a deep dive into what’s going on, what we do know, and what this could mean for the Sea Eagles’ future.

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1. The Context: Who Is Anthony Seibold?

Anthony Seibold has been at the helm of the Sea Eagles since late 2022. The club officially announced his appointment in November of that year, noting his extensive coaching resume—including stints with the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney, and even a role in English rugby.

Since arriving in Sydney, Seibold has been credited with helping to reestablish what some describe as the “Manly Way” — a culture rooted in authenticity, effort, and reliability. In December 2024, he extended his contract through to the end of 2027, a move that was framed by both him and the club as a commitment to long-term stability.

So, on paper, he was set for a multi-year reign at Brookvale.

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2. The Rumor: Resignation Letter Submitted

What’s the claim?

The explosive report making the rounds is that Seibold has already submitted a resignation letter — but the big question is to whom, and why. The claim has taken many Sea Eagles supporters off guard, prompting shock given his recent contract extension.

Why is it surprising?

He recently signed on through 2027.

Club leadership had strongly backed him; when pressure mounted this year, Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov insisted that Seibold was “safe at this point.”

Seibold has publicly denied any destabilizing narratives: in relation to captaincy rumors and his future, he has refuted suggestions of internal discord.

Given all that, a resignation letter is not what most expected.

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3. What Evidence Is Actually Out There?

Here’s where things get murky: there is no confirmed, reputable source that has independently verified Seibold’s resignation. A search of major NRL outlets, club statements, and credible sports journalists yields zero confirmation that such a letter was submitted.

Key considerations:

No formal announcement: Neither Manly Sea Eagles’ media channels nor the NRL have issued a statement on his resignation.

Ongoing support from players: Several Sea Eagles players have publicly backed Seibold despite recent on-field challenges.

Seibold’s own stance: In prior press interactions, he has shut down speculation about his job being under threat — calling some rumors “nonsense.”

Contract security: His contract extension to 2027, formally confirmed by the club, contradicts the idea that he’s planning to walk away soon.

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4. Possible Explanations for the Rumor

Given the lack of concrete proof, several possibilities emerge to explain why the rumor is gaining traction:

1. Misinformation or miscommunication.

It could simply be a false report or a misinterpreted comment. In the world of high-stakes sport, whispers can easily take on a life of their own.

2. Internal conflict disguised as resignation.

There may be genuine friction behind the scenes (e.g., between Seibold and club leadership, or among senior players) that has been mischaracterized as Seibold wanting out.

3. Strategic threat.

Sometimes coaches or executives threaten resignation to force a restructuring or to renegotiate terms. This could be an internal power play.

4. Media speculation ahead of a potential exit.

While no confirmation exists now, it’s possible the rumor is being floated in anticipation of a real resignation — especially if performance or internal politics worsen.

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5. Why the Rumor Is Resonating So Strongly

The idea of Seibold resigning is resonating for several reasons:

Performance pressure: The Sea Eagles have had rough patches. Analysts note inconsistency in their season, and there’s increased scrutiny on Seibold’s decision-making.

Leadership changes: Earlier this year, reports linked Seibold to discussions about succession planning, including grooming assistant coach Michael Ennis as a future replacement.

Fan sentiment: Some sections of Manly’s fan base remain skeptical. They question whether the “Manly Way” under Seibold truly delivers the on-field success they crave.

Narrative appeal: In the age of sports media, sensational stories travel fast. A coach supposedly walking away mid-contract is tantalizing clickbait.

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6. What This Means for Manly

If the resignation rumor were true — and substantiated — the implications could be significant:

Coaching instability: Losing Seibold would thrust Manly back into a period of uncertainty. They would need to find a new coach, likely mid-season, and possibly disrupt the continuity he’s been building.

Cultural risk: Seibold has strongly promoted a specific team culture (“effort, curiosity, authenticity”) since arrival. His exit could unsettle that.

Reputation hit: From a broader NRL perspective, another high-profile coach exit would raise questions about the Sea Eagles’ internal management.

Succession planning: If internal plans were in place (e.g., Ennis as his successor), this might accelerate, though it could also lead to power struggles.

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7. Why Skeptics Are Calling the Report a “Smokescreen”

Many believe the rumor is a smokescreen — i.e., not an actual resignation but a strategy or ill-informed speculation. Here are some reasons:

Contract commitment: A coach doesn’t usually resign mid-contract if they genuinely want to stay. Seibold’s deal runs to 2027.

Support from the top: Despite some rough results, CEO Tony Mestrov has publicly stated his confidence in Seibold.

Lack of proof: No resignation letter has been leaked; no resignation accepted. Without that evidence, it remains unsubstantiated.

Media dynamics: Reporters and pundits might be pushing the narrative because it’s sensational, not because it’s factual.

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8. What’s Next — and What to Watch For

Here’s what fans, pundits, and insiders should watch if they want clarity on the situation:

1. Official statements: A formal comment from Manly Sea Eagles (via their media team) or Seibold himself — either confirming or denying the report — would go a long way.

2. Board or CEO action: If Seibold has submitted something, how the board responds (acceptance, negotiation, rejection) will tell us a lot about his future.

3. Player reaction: Will senior players publicly back Seibold? That could reveal how serious internal unrest might be.

4. Performance in upcoming games: If his job is in jeopardy, results could either make his case or seal his fate.

5. Media leaks: Sometimes, internal documents (like a resignation letter) leak. If that happens, it could confirm or debunk the rumor.

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9. Bottom Line

The resignation rumor surrounding Anthony Seibold is not backed by strong public evidence at this time.

Seibold remains under contract with Manly through 2027.

Stakeholders like players and executives have shown continued support, despite speculation.

The narrative could be misinformation, a strategic maneuver, or an early step in a potential exit — but nothing is confirmed.

Until there’s a credible, verifiable source or a direct statement from the parties involved, the claim remains in the rumor mill. But make no mistake — if Seibold does decide to walk away, it would be a seismic moment for Manly Sea Eagles and the NRL at large.