By his own admission, Anthony Seibold’s first NRL season as Brisbane coach can be summed up by one word – turbulent.
But Seibold has not given up hope on ultimately emerging triumphant.
Tenth-placed Brisbane appear to be playing for their season in Thursday night’s away clash with North Queensland thanks to a hot and cold 2019 under Seibold.
And the rookie Broncos mentor’s rollercoaster ride doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon after veteran Alex Glenn appeared in doubt for their must-win clash in Townsville with a knee injury.
Yet it seems ex-South Sydney coach Seibold wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Turbulent is a good way to describe it,” Seibold said when asked to sum up his maiden year with the Broncos reins.
“But I’m enjoying the job. There’s been some challenging days and you get a bit frustrated or agitated but that’s just human nature.
“They are a fantastic young group to coach.”
Seibold was under pressure from the outset taking over at Brisbane from legendary foundation coach Wayne Bennett in what became a messy swap with the Rabbitohs.
Then came the fallout from the Broncos old boys who made their displeasure known with Seibold getting the nod over club favourite Kevin Walters.
Results haven’t helped either.
Remarkably if Brisbane lose to North Queensland they will equal their fewest wins in club history after 20 games – just eight.
Suffice to say with five rounds left, Brisbane need to keep winning to stay alive in the top eight hunt.
It’s a tough ask – especially for a Brisbane outfit still licking their wounds over last round’s 40-4 thrashing from Melbourne
Yet Seibold likes what he sees at Brisbane.
“We’ve got a long way to go. We are nowhere near the potential that I see in the group but it takes time and internally or externally, people want things to happen overnight,” he said.
“But this year has been a year for our guys to acquire experiences, some good, some challenging like the Storm result, but unless we play the best you won’t learn and grow.
“You either win or you learn. I’m enjoying the role immensely and I suppose more comfortable in knowing where we are going and what’s required.”
Seibold cited the recent re-signing of utility Jake Turpin for another three seasons as another reason to reassure him that he was on the right track.
“There was a lot of competition for Turps. There were a number of clubs who made him significant offers,” he said.
“But he stayed here because he can see where we are going and the things we are putting in place.”