Manly Sea Eagles chief executive officer Tony Mestrov has addressed the speculation around Michael Ennis as a future coach and clarified his comments around Anthony Seibold’s future after initially stating he’s safe “at the moment”.
Despite high expectations for the season, Manly is currently 10th on the ladder.
Reports emerged last week Seibold has two games to fight for his future, which prompted Mestrov’s comments.
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However, speaking to Nine’s Danny Weidler on Monday, Mestrov said he’s “100 per cent” behind the coach, admitting his comments originally were vague.
Danny Weidler speaks to Manly CEO Tony Mestrov. Nine
“I know that, and it probably would’ve been the wording I used,” he said.
“… He’s safe, I’ve got his back.”
Mestrov did concede the pressure is on to turn around the season though.
“We all have to win games, we’re all on the boat together, including myself. We’re supporting him every way we can, he’s a good coach, he’s a good person,” he said.
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The chief then denied Seibold only has two matches to save his job.
Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold. Getty
Among the drama around Manly’s coach was the speculation that Michael Ennis is being groomed as his successor in 2027, with Seibold to step into a general manager of football position.
Mestrov denied that’s set in stone.
“There’s nothing formally in place, there’s been discussions that have been had in the past with Anthony and Michael, but there’s nothing at the moment,” he said.
Among recent changes at Manly has been the news Tom Trbojevic will be permanently shifted from fullback to centre.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Trbojevic said he “completely understands” the call before describing the speculation around Seibold as “external noise”.
“It’s because we’re not winning footy games and the reality is we start winning footy games, that will all go away,” he said.
“That’s what we’re all focused on as a club, we just need to go out there and put our best foot forward this weekend and win some games.”
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The representative star was also asked about Ennis’ potential as a coach but said he was out of the loop when it comes to the future plans.
“Mick’s a very smart footy brain, good talker and he’ll be a very good coach one day,” he said.
“But I’m not too sure what the succession plan looks like and how it will evolve but right now Seibs is our coach and we’re just focused on the now and that’s winning footy games.”
