Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering AFL and NRL since 2020
The Anthony Seibold Manly pressure situation has intensified after the Sea Eagles suffered a 36-16 defeat to the Newcastle Knights on Sunday at Brookvale Oval, leaving the club winless after its opening two home games of the NRL season. Manly struggled with handling errors and defensive lapses throughout the match, allowing Newcastle to control large periods of play. The loss has placed added scrutiny on coach Anthony Seibold, who is now facing growing questions about the team’s direction early in the season. The result also follows a disappointing finish to last year when the Sea Eagles missed the finals.
Newcastle capitalised on Manly’s mistakes, particularly through the middle of the field where defensive gaps appeared repeatedly. As the match progressed the frustration inside Brookvale became noticeable, with small sections of the crowd booing the home side as they left the field. The Sea Eagles had already fallen to the Canberra Raiders in their season opener, making Sunday’s defeat another setback for the club.
Readers can also follow other major NRL developments in our report on Michael Maguire’s message behind the Broncos’ premiership push.
Luke Keary Questions Seibold’s Future
Former NRL premiership winner Luke Keary said the pressure on Seibold has been building after three seasons at Manly.
“Seibold has been at manly for three years now. He’s had time to implement his systems, his culture and his structures,” Keary said.
“They’ve missed the finals twice. When does that noise really heat up on him?
“They knew he was under pressure.
“When do they jump?
“There is Perth there with Mal (Meninga) and PNG that are coming into the comp looking for a coach… There are other teams looking later in the season.”
When asked whether the club should make a coaching change immediately, Keary suggested the situation may already be close to that point.
“I think they’re nearly ready to go.
“The way they finished the year last year, and having the whole off season to make changes … has anything changed there?”
Seibold Responds to Early Season Criticism
Seibold defended the team’s approach after the loss and insisted the club would remain calm despite the difficult start.
“Of course we would have loved to have won both our first games, but it’s not fatal,” Seibold said.
“One thing we won’t do is panic or change our schedule. We’re very well prepared and well planned.
“I’ve been zero-and-two before and been a top four side as a coach.”
Calls for Changes Inside the Squad
Former NSW State of Origin forward Aaron Woods said improvements are needed if Manly wants to turn its season around.
“You knew Seibold was under a lot of pressure going into this season,” Woods said on The Agenda Setters.
“He needs to make some tough decisions.
“On the weekend, it wasn’t just defensively they were poor, their attack, they were going sidewards.”
NRL journalist David Riccio also noted that the club’s players had taken responsibility during a review session held on Monday.
“The calls that I have made, that’s the feeling, give Seibold every opportunity here to dig them back out of it,” Riccio said.
“The players made 15 errors yesterday.
“My understanding is there was a review meeting held today where a lot of accountability was taken by the players.
“They were honest about their performances.”
What Comes Next for Manly
The Sea Eagles now have a bye before returning to Brookvale in Round 4 when the Sydney Roosters visit in what is shaping as an important early match for the club. Veteran halfback Daly Cherry Evans will return to face his former home ground in that contest.
Manly will need a sharper defensive performance and better control in attack if they want to steady their season. Early rounds often shape momentum for the year, and the Sea Eagles will be aiming to avoid falling further behind in the NRL standings.