Anthony Seibold is back in the NRL. The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have officially confirmed the former Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles coach will join the club as an assistant coach ahead of its inaugural 2028 season.
The appointment reunites Seibold with head coach Willie Peters as the expansion franchise continues assembling an experienced football department for its historic entry into the competition.
Seibold Adds Experience to Chiefs Coaching Staff
The Chiefs announced Seibold will work alongside fellow assistant coach Luke Burt under Peters, bringing 142 games of NRL head coaching experience to the club.
Seibold has also built an impressive coaching résumé outside rugby league, including roles with England Rugby Union and AFL club Collingwood, giving the Chiefs another experienced voice as they prepare for their 2028 debut.
“I’m looking forward to working with Willie Peters and supporting the vision that this club has,” Seibold said.
“The Chiefs are building something special with strong values and great people, and I’m excited to play my part in helping them succeed.
“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.”
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Reunion With Willie Peters
The appointment reunites Seibold and Peters after previous coaching stints together at South Sydney and Newcastle.
Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said Seibold’s experience as both a head coach and assistant would provide invaluable support to Peters as the club continues to build from the ground up.
“We’re really excited about Anthony joining our coaching staff and believe that he will add a great deal to the playing group and football department as a whole,” Chammas said.
“His experience in numerous roles across rugby league is a great benefit to us, and his time as a head coach in particular will help him be a trusted advisor to Willie.
“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.”
Another Piece Falls Into Place
Seibold’s appointment is the latest major addition for the Chiefs, who have wasted little time building both their coaching staff and inaugural playing roster.
The club has already secured high-profile signings including Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson, while Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has also been granted permission to explore a potential move to the expansion franchise.
Chammas revealed Seibold recently visited Papua New Guinea and had embraced the opportunity to be part of a project designed to have a lasting impact both on and off the field.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming him and his family to our Chiefs family in November 2027 as we continue to build strong foundations for our first NRL season,” Chammas said.
Fresh Start After Manly Exit
The role marks Seibold’s first return to the NRL since departing Manly earlier this season.
Rather than stepping straight back into a head coaching position, the former Dally M Coach of the Year will now play a key supporting role as the Chiefs prepare for one of the biggest challenges in the game’s history.
With Peters leading the club and experienced assistants Seibold and Burt beside him, the Chiefs continue to assemble a coaching team capable of laying the foundations for a successful entry into the NRL in 2028.
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