Rabbitohs appoint Anthony Seibold as head coach

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced that Anthony Seibold will be the club’s head coach for the next two seasons.

Coach Seibold has been promoted from Assistant Coach with the Rabbitohs in 2017 to take on the first NRL Head Coaching appointment of his career.

Anthony has completed a strong apprenticeship, building a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach at State, NRL and Representative levels.

In addition to his Assistant Coach role at the Rabbitohs in 2017, Anthony has been the Assistant Coach for the Queensland State of Origin team for the past two seasons, as well as stints as an Assistant Coach with the Melbourne Storm, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Junior Kangaroos and clubs in the UK Super League.

He has also held Head Coaching roles with the Storm’s under 20s team, the Mackay Cutters in the Intrust Super Cup and the Queensland under 18s side, and was part of the QAS Emerging Origin program for four years.

Anthony’s playing career included stints with the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Hull Kingston Rovers and London Broncos, as well as representative selections for Queensland under 17s and 19s, plus Queensland Residents.

Anthony also holds a Masters of Education from the University of Southern Queensland, a Bachelor of Teaching from the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane and has lectured at the University of Southern Queensland in the Faculty of Education.

Rabbitohs General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, is looking forward to seeing Anthony flourish in the Head Coaching position.

“Anthony has done a long apprenticeship with some of the best coaches and organisations in Rugby League and we believe he is the man to take our team to the next level,” Mr Richardson said.

“He has a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, a great relationship with all of our players, he has bought into the values and beliefs of the Rabbitohs, he has great respect for our Members, and he has earned the opportunity to lead our team in its next chapter.

“We first approached Anthony about the role yesterday morning and he jumped at the chance to guide this team.

“His appointment from within maintains the stability of the organisation whilst also giving him an opportunity to take the leadership role and provide the change of direction the team requires.

“We believe he has all of the qualities of a long-standing, successful Head Coach in the NRL and we’re happy to be able to give him his shot at this level.”

Anthony is excited about the new role.

“To become a Head Coach at a quality NRL club has been my career goal since I got into coaching and to have this opportunity to lead the team here at South Sydney is something I’m very proud of,” Coach Seibold said.

“The Club has a strong playing roster with some of the best emerging talent, a solid leadership group, a wonderful team of coaches and support staff, and a fantastic front office.

“I have great support around me, including Dave Furner who I have a close relationship with. He is a very experienced coach and that experience is invaluable to our team. That support will enable us to put our best foot forward each week and to represent this Club and its Members with pride every time we set foot on the playing or training field, or when we’re in the community.

“‘Madge’ (Michael Maguire) has done a great job over the past six years, he’s left the Club in fantastic shape, and I’m looking to build on his legacy. We’ll also work hard on taking the team in a new direction with the help of the support team, the coaches and the players.

SEIBOLD: I wouldn't of had yes if I didn't think I could take the Club forward. I'm ready. #GoRabbitohs

— South Sydney (@SSFCRABBITOHS) September 7, 2017

“We all have a clear focus and we’ll all be heading in that direction.

“I’m really excited about what’s ahead and I can’t wait to get stuck into the job and welcome the players back to training in November.”

Coach Seibold begins his new post as Head Coach immediately.