Anthony Seibold has secured an NRL coaching lifeline with the PNG Chiefs, joining the club’s roster ahead of their much-anticipated inaugural season in 2028.
The club announced that the former Dally M Coach of the Year will serve as an assistant coach under head coach Willie Peters.
The 51-year-old’s appointment follows his departure from the Manly Sea Eagles earlier in the 2026 season, where he was let go just three games in following a string of losses and replaced by Manly legend Kieran Foran. Since then, he has taken on a part-time consultancy role with AFL giants Collingwood.
This new role also reunites Seibold with Peters. The pair previously worked together at South Sydney during the 2018 campaign when Seibold served as head coach before taking up a lucrative five-year deal with Brisbane.
Seibold’s tenure with the Broncos proved turbulent, ending after less than two seasons amid poor results and heavy media scrutiny.
“The Chiefs are building something special with strong values and great people, and I’m excited to play my part in helping them succeed,” Seibold said in a statement.
“The chance to make a positive impact on players, staff and the wider community was a big reason I wanted to join the Chiefs.
“Success on the field is important, but building something that inspires people across Papua New Guinea is just as meaningful.”
Having coached 142 NRL games across three different clubs, Seibold becomes the second assistant coach named by the PNG franchise, joining Parramatta legend Luke Burt.
Journalist turned Chiefs football manager Michael Chammas stated that Seibold’s extensive experience across various rugby league roles would bring immense value to the club.
“It will also complement the attributes that Luke brings as an assistant coach, and we believe they will work extremely well together alongside the rest of our football staff,” Chammas stated.
The announcement follows Sunday’s revelation by the Chiefs that rugby union convert Zac Lomax will join their maiden roster alongside marquee names Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, and Connor Watson in a star-studded 2028 lineup. Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has also been granted permission to negotiate with the club.
Source: Australian Associated Press
