LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
As the Manly Sea Eagles enter 2026, Anthony Seibold finds himself in a high-pressure coaching position. The team's performance over recent seasons has been lackluster, failing to meet expectations.
The 2025 season proved particularly disappointing for the Sea Eagles. Despite having a roster that seemed capable of securing a top-eight finish, they fell significantly short. While injuries played a role, it's important to note that this is not a valid excuse, especially given the South Sydney Rabbitohs faced extraordinary challenges with player injuries throughout the same period.
However, there's potential for improvement within the Manly squad. After what has been described as one of his least effective seasons, longtime halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will be departing for the Sydney Roosters. He'll be replaced by Jamal Fogarty, who successfully led the Canberra Raiders to claim the 2025 minor premiership, a feat many critics did not foresee at the start of the season.
The halves position seems secure, but Seibold will face significant challenges when it comes to selection. The emergence of several promising young talents at the club could complicate matters as veterans approach the twilight of their careers, leaving Seibold with some tough decisions on the selection front.