Manly Sea Eagles great Matt Ballin has addressed claims he is gunning for Anthony Siebold’s job, declaring he is happy to work closely with the under-siege head coach from 2026 onwards – and develop a ‘succession plan’.
Ballin – who won premierships at the club in 2008 and 2011 – is off-contract at the Broncos come November, where he is currently employed as an assistant coach.
His upcoming availability, coupled with Manly’s up-and-down form under Seibold, have sparked a push from past and present Sea Eagles stars to have him replaced by Ballin.
In mid-June, Seibold was reportedly given two games to turn the club’s form around or face the sack, after he angered his stars by conducting hard-nosed and very critical reviews with them.
He responded by taking Manly to wins in both of those matches.
Speaking on Thursday, Ballin, 41, quashed speculation he wants to oust Siebold – but admitted he is keen to take the head-coaching job in the future.
Manly Sea Eagles great Matt Ballin has addressed claims he is gunning for Anthony Siebold’s job, declaring he is happy to work closely with the head coach from 2026 onwards
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Ballin quashed speculation he wants Siebold’s role now (pictured, playing for Manly in 2013)
Away from footy, Ballin married glamorous Channel Seven sports reporter Alissa Smith last December (pictured)
‘I’m prepared to work (closely) with Siebs,’ the former representative hooker told the Daily Mail.
‘I actually sat down and had a coffee with him when we (the Broncos) played at Brookvale earlier this season (May 31).
‘I don’t want to undermine him, I want to work with him, I made that clear.
‘For me, the club needs Manly DNA going forward… and I want to help, I would like to think I know what it takes (for the club) to be successful.
‘Whether that is a long-term succession plan… we will see how it plays out.’
Despite the recent run of form, rumours persist that Sea Eagles old boys and current players want Ballin to assume head-coaching duties.
Ballin also has runs on the board given he previously coached the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at NSW Cup level and has been with the Broncos coaching staff since 2021.
He also has been part of the Queensland Origin coaching staff in recent years.
Anthony Seibold (pictured right with Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans) was reportedly given two matches to save his job in mid-June
Despite Siebold’s uncertain future, Manly have won three out of their past four matches – including a victory against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park – but currently sit outside the NRL top eight on percentages.
A loss this weekend against the Sydney Roosters on home soil will again see the spotlight on Siebold.
Away from footy, Ballin – a father of three – married Channel Seven sports reporter Alissa Smith last December.
The ceremony featured a host of footy identities, including Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler and former Manly teammates Glenn Hall, Steve Menzies, Mark Bryant and Jake Trbojevic.
In June, Ballin and his wife announced they are expecting a child.
