- Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold is noticeably slimmer
Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold knows he must hit the ground running in 2026 – and his impressive body transformation in recent months will also be a talking point with many footy fans.
A photo posted on Instagram from Fox League identity Jake Duke told the story, with a markedly slimmer Seibold appearing on camera before his side’s clash with the Rabbitohs in Mudgee on February 22.
While South Sydney cruised to a 30-6 victory, supporters in maroon and white shouldn’t be overly concerned – Seibold rested superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic and gun backrower Haumole Olakau’atu.
Manly host Canberra at Brookvale Oval on March 7 in their NRL season opener – and a first-up defeat will heap more pressure on Seibold.
After replacing club legend Des Hasler, Seibold’s best return has been seventh in 2024.
He missed the top eight in 2023 and again last year – and not featuring this September could spell the end of Seibold’s tenure on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold knows he needs to hit the ground running in 2026 – and he has set an example for his players by transforming his physique in the offseason
A photo posted on Instagram from Fox League identity Jake Duke (left) revealed a markedly slimmer Seibold before his side’s clash with the Rabbitohs in Mudgee on Sunday
The Sea Eagles boss (pictured last year) has been tipped to struggle to drag his side back up the ladder this season
In terms of signings, former Raiders star Jamal Fogarty is a straight swap for veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, while Kobe Hetherington has joined from the Broncos.
Some experts, led by ex-Roosters star turned commentator Chad Townsend, have tipped Manly to finish last.
The club have famously never ‘won’ the wooden spoon dating back to their 1947 inception.
‘It is a huge year for the Sea Eagles,’ Townsend said on his YouTube channel.
‘With what’s happened over the course of the last 12 months – no Cherry-Evans, Tommy Trbojevic’s handshake deal. Jake Trbojevic is also off-contract – I can see it being a tough one.
‘They’ve signed Jamal Fogarty. He comes in on a three-year deal. I do believe he can add something to this team, but it’s a lack of depth that concerns me.’
According to the TAB, Manly are rated a $34 chance to win the premiership.
Brisbane ($5.50) have been tipped to go back-to-back, with Penrith ($6) plus the Roosters and Melbourne Storm (both $7) also heavily favoured by punters.
The 2026 NRL season begins on Sunday, March 1 with a double header in Las Vegas from Allegiant Stadium.
Justin Holbrook’s Newcastle Knights line up against the North Queensland Cowboys from 1.15pm AEDT, followed by the Bulldogs tackling the Dragons at 3.30pm AEDT.
