The axe has fallen on embattled Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold after the Broncos’ disastrous 2020 NRL season.
Seibold addressed his players on Wednesday morning before fronting the media, confirming his departure less than two years into a five-year contract.
Seibold exits the Broncos after a troubled 12 months which included an embarrassing exit from last year’s finals and the worst first grade season in the club’s 32-year history in 2020.
“Last week, I made the decision to finish my tenure as coach of the Brisbane Broncos,” Seibold said.
“Today, I am announcing that I will be stepping down from the role immediately.
“For many reasons, my time at the Broncos did not work out as we had all hoped.
“But that’s sport. We love sport because it’s full of uncertainty. And rugby league seems to throw up uncertainty better than any sport I know.
“Head coaching in the NRL isn’t for the faint of heart. I know that. And I know that I’ll be a better coach, a better leader and a better person for all that I have learnt.”
It’s a dramatic fall for a man who was hot property after being named the Dally M coach of the year in 2018 after his maiden campaign in charge of South Sydney.
Replacing legendary coach Wayne Bennett, Seibold led the Broncos to the finals in 2019 only for the club to crash out at the first hurdle after a 58-0 flogging by Parramatta.
The 2020 season began with back-to-back victories but since the resumption in May following the COVID-enforced hiatus his position had become increasingly untenable.
A 34-6 flogging by the Eels in round three sparked a run of 12 defeats in 13 matches including a 59-0 record loss to the Sydney Roosters which has left the once-proud club 15th on the ladder.
Adding to the chaos were off-field dramas including failing to retain star young forward David Fifita from signing with Queensland rivals Gold Coast and Tevita Pangai Jnr being suspended and most likely sacked for multiple COVID protocol breaches.
Despite hopes Seibold could see out the season, he now leaves the club immediately with assistant Peter Gentle to coach the team for the remaining five matches of the season including Friday’s return clash against the Roosters.
“The levels of scrutiny – some of it bordering on hysterical, if not slanderous in recent times – have placed a heavy burden on Anthony and his family,” CEO Paul White said.
“As a club, we have endeavoured to support Anthony and his loved ones through all of this.
“But at the end of the day only Anthony can understand what it is like to walk in the shoes of a Broncos Coach, and live with he highs and lows of the role.”
Club great Kevin Walters, overlooked by the Broncos’ hierarchy in favour of Seibold in 2018, is the frontrunner for the role with the support of several ex-players.
North Queensland premiership-winning coach Paul Green is also a contender, with Cowboys captain Michael Morgan not surprised his former boss is in the discussion.
