NRL coach Anthony Seibold has reportedly been offered a million-dollar payout to leave the Brisbane Broncos immediately, just two years into his five-year contract. The offer, reported by the Courier Mail, would see Seibold receive a payout for the remaining three years of his deal, but he is not obligated to accept.
Seibold and Broncos chairman Karl Morris discussed the coach's future on Friday, weighing up the possibility of him leaving before the end of the season. Seibold can return to Red Hill on Monday after spending two weeks in isolation following his departure from the Broncos' COVID bubble to tend to family matters.
If Seibold accepts the offer and resigns, caretaker coach Peter Gentle could remain in charge for the rest of the season. Club legend and State of Origin coach Kevin Walters has been suggested as a potential long-term replacement. Former Broncos enforcer Glenn Lazarus said Walters would be the 'perfect guy to come in' and address issues at the club, noting that 'the players are not happy there'.
Seibold has been the target of slanderous and false comments on social media after his decision to stay in New South Wales following a loss to South Sydney on August 7. He has sought legal advice and enlisted European cyber-crime researchers with military backgrounds to trace the source of the malicious comments, which initial reports suggest may come from multiple individuals affiliated with the NRL.
TV presenter Erin Molan condemned the trolling on WSFM, calling it 'vile, repeated harassment' and expressing support for Seibold's legal action. Molan, who has faced similar abuse including death threats to her daughter, argued that victims should not have to leave social media to escape trolling.
