Few NRL coaches have taken a path quite like Anthony Seibold’s — from a stint at Harvard Business School to the top job at South Sydney, then a sacking at Manly that made headlines across Australia. Just weeks later, he traded the rugby league sideline for an AFL club, joining Collingwood as an assistant coach. This article traces Seibold’s nationality, the reasons behind his Manly exit, and what his unexpected move to the Magpies means for his career.
Born: 3 October 1974 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Coaching career: South Sydney, Brisbane, Manly, Collingwood (assistant) ·
Current role: Collingwood Football Club (assistant coach, 2026) ·
Years active: 2000–present
Quick snapshot
- Exact reasons for sacking beyond “poor results” — club statements limited (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- Net worth and salary figures vary by source (Reddit (unverified community data))
- Length of Collingwood contract not publicly disclosed (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- Specific scope of his off-field development role at Collingwood (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- Whether Seibold will pursue an AFL head coaching role in future (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- Sacked 27 March 2026 after just three games of the 2026 NRL season (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- Joined Collingwood in a part-time / consultancy role for the remainder of 2026 (7NEWS (Australian news network))
- Will work under Craig McRae at Collingwood for 2026 AFL season (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster))
- Future return to NRL head coaching remains uncertain (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster))
Key facts at a glance
Seven biographical points, one pattern: Seibold’s career spans playing, coaching, and an unusual academic credential.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony Seibold |
| Born | 3 October 1974 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Coaching Career | South Sydney, Brisbane, Manly, Collingwood (assistant) |
| Playing Career | South Sydney Rabbitohs, London Broncos |
| Highest Honour | Dally M Coach of the Year (2014) |
| Current Role | Assistant Coach, Collingwood Football Club (2026) |
What nationality is Anthony Seibold?
Anthony Seibold is Australian. He was born on in Australia and has represented Australia both as a player and a coach (Wikipedia). His rugby league career has been entirely based in Australia and the United Kingdom, but his nationality is consistently listed as Australian in all official records.
The implication: Seibold’s identity is firmly tied to Australian rugby league, making his cross-code move to AFL’s Collingwood all the more striking.
What is Anthony Seibold doing now?
Anthony Seibold’s new role at Collingwood
After being sacked by Manly in March 2026, Seibold quickly found a new opportunity — this time in Australian rules football. He was appointed an assistant coach at Collingwood Football Club for the 2026 AFL season, working under senior coach Craig McRae (7NEWS (Australian news network)).
- Seibold’s role involves working with coaches and football department staff on off-field development (SEN (sports radio)).
- He reportedly described having a close relationship with McRae and had visited Collingwood several times before joining (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
Seibold is the first NRL head coach in recent memory to make a direct move to an AFL club — a signal that his coaching philosophy and personality may translate beyond rugby league.
The pattern: Seibold has repeatedly reinvented himself after setbacks, from being sacked by Brisbane in 2020 to his early Manly exit.
Why did Anthony Seibold leave Manly?
Manly’s decision to sack Seibold
On 27 March 2026, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles sacked Anthony Seibold after just three games of the 2026 NRL season (ABC News (public broadcaster)). The decision came less than a month into the season following a poor start that included a 33-16 loss to the Roosters (The Sydney Morning Herald (major newspaper)).
Performance and results during his tenure
- Manly finished 10th in the 2025 NRL season under Seibold (Wikipedia).
- Reports in August 2025 indicated several prominent Manly figures were pushing for him to be replaced by Matt Ballin (Nine (Australian sports news)).
- Seibold had reportedly coached 76 games at Manly with a 49% win rate, according to unverified community data (Reddit (unverified community data)).
Seibold was the first coach dismissed that early in a season since Jason Taylor in 2017 (ABC News (public broadcaster)).
Chairman Scott Penn had publicly stated in September 2025 that Seibold would coach in 2026 — a vote of confidence that evaporated within six months (Yahoo News Australia).
The trade-off: Seibold’s sacking was abrupt, but it opened the door to an unexpected AFL career.
What is Anthony Seibold’s background?
Did Anthony Seibold play NRL?
Yes, Seibold played NRL for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and later for the London Broncos in the UK Super League (Wikipedia). His playing career spanned the 1990s and early 2000s before he transitioned into coaching.
Anthony Seibold’s coaching career
- Began coaching in the 2000s, with assistant roles at various clubs.
- Head coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs (interim/assistant roles 2012–2015).
- Won Dally M Coach of the Year in 2014 (Wikipedia).
- Head coach of Brisbane Broncos (2018–2020).
- Head coach of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (2023–2025).
The result: Seibold has held head-coaching roles at three NRL clubs, plus an overseas playing stint.
Did Anthony Seibold go to Harvard?
Seibold attended an executive program at Harvard Business School — a leadership course, not a full degree (Wikipedia). This academic credential is often cited in media profiles as part of his broader background and has contributed to his reputation as a coach with an analytical edge.
The takeaway: Seibold’s Harvard connection is real but limited to a short executive course. Still, it sets him apart from most NRL coaches.
Timeline: Anthony Seibold’s career
- — Born in Australia (Wikipedia)
- 1990s–2001 — Plays NRL for South Sydney and London Broncos (Wikipedia)
- 2000s — Begins coaching career (Wikipedia)
- 2012–2015 — Head coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs (interim/assistant) (Wikipedia)
- 2014 — Wins Dally M Coach of the Year (Wikipedia)
- 2018–2020 — Head coach of Brisbane Broncos (Wikipedia)
- 8 November 2022 — Appointed Manly coach on a three-year deal (Wikipedia)
- 2023–2025 — Head coach of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (Wikipedia)
- Late 2025 — Reports of pressure to sack him (Nine)
- — Sacked by Manly (ABC News (public broadcaster))
- May 2026 — Appointed assistant coach at Collingwood Football Club (7NEWS (Australian news network))
Clarity check: confirmed vs. unclear
Confirmed facts
- Anthony Seibold is Australian
- He played NRL for South Sydney and London Broncos
- He coached South Sydney, Brisbane, and Manly
- He was sacked by Manly in 2026
- He joined Collingwood in 2026 as assistant coach
- He attended a Harvard Business School executive program
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for his sacking beyond “poor results” (club statements limited)
- His net worth and salary (varying estimates)
- Future coaching aspirations — may or may not return to NRL head coaching
What they say
“I’m excited to work with Craig and the team at Collingwood.”
— Anthony Seibold, speaking to 7NEWS
“We thank Anthony for his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles club statement, reported by ABC News
“His experience will be valuable for our group.”
— Craig McRae, Collingwood senior coach, quoted by Fox Sports
Seibold’s journey from NRL coach to AFL assistant is a rare cross-code story. For the Magpies, his fresh perspective could bring new ideas. For Seibold, the move keeps him in professional sport and may set a template for other coaches looking to switch codes.
After his abrupt departure from Manly, Seibolds move to Collingwood marked a surprising cross-code shift for the former NRL coach.
Frequently asked questions
What is Anthony Seibold’s coaching style?
Seibold is known for a data-driven, analytical approach, partly influenced by his Harvard Business School training. He has been described as a coach who emphasises structure and systems.
How long was Anthony Seibold at Manly?
He was appointed head coach in November 2022 and served until March 2026 — about three and a half seasons.
Where did Anthony Seibold grow up?
He grew up in Australia, though specific hometown details are not widely published.
Is Anthony Seibold married?
Yes, he is married, but his wife’s name is not commonly reported in media profiles.
What is Anthony Seibold’s highest coaching achievement?
Winning the Dally M Coach of the Year award in 2014 while at South Sydney is his most notable accolade.
Has Anthony Seibold coached in the UK?
He played for London Broncos but has not held a coaching role in the UK.
What did Anthony Seibold study at Harvard?
He completed an executive leadership program at Harvard Business School, not a full degree.
What teams did Anthony Seibold play for in the NRL?
He played for South Sydney Rabbitohs and later for London Broncos (then in the Super League).
Related reading: Braith Anasta: Relationships, Career & Life After NRL · Gary Ablett Jr: Career, Achievements, and Life After AFL
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.