**SHOCKING EXIT:** Manly Warringah Sea Eagles head coach, 50‑year‑old Anthony Seibold, has abruptly announced his departure, sending shockwaves through the club and NRL community. Seibold, who signed a long-term contract extension through the end of the 2027 season in December 2024, is stepping away effective immediately due to “personal reasons,” surprising fans and players alike ([seaeagles.com.au][1]).
**TIMING AND CONTEXT:** The announcement follows a turbulent stretch — the Sea Eagles are currently sitting 11th on the ladder in 2025 and have lost three of their last four matches, including a heavy 28‑8 defeat to the Titans on June 17. Reports indicate his playing-group meetings, intended to hold individuals accountable, may have backfired and deepened divisions .
**INTERNAL TURMOIL:** Pressure had been mounting before the news, with whispers of player dissatisfaction, rumored succession plans featuring assistant coach Michael Ennis, and intense scrutiny of Seibold’s methods . In the lead-up, Seibold publicly rejected speculation about his job security and the captaincy of Daly Cherry‑Evans, describing it as “nonsense” ([news.com.au][2]).
**WHAT’S NEXT?** With this stunning exit, Manly now confronts an urgent need for a new leader. Michael Ennis is widely seen as the immediate internal candidate, but a broader search may still be underway.
