The Timeline of the 2025 Collapse

[madmax]

Yep, fair comment.

Worth noting that this was not actually verified as his reason by anyone. I recall Justin Horo (who is very close friends with DCE) talking with him about the situation, and the thought that Horo had, was that his decision wasn't related to money.

Lying to the press and public is one thing, but DCE doesn't strike me as the type to lie to his close friends.

Of course, there's no verifiable info either way, as DCE kept his cards close to his chest. It's also sounding like the Roosters only ever offered a similar amount, and then downgraded, to a little less than us.

Another factor could be a certain ****-stirrer returning to the club, around the time of the first release request, and then, in quite a telling comment, anonymously talking to the Hello Sports Podcast about how he was happy to see the back of DCE, along with a few other descriptive words.

Overall, I think DCE's reasons are quite multi-layered.

Agree mostly mate but I just feel money is a key element in any decision DCE makes. He has history!!! Whether it’s him or the club that has caused our season to spiral is an unknown & I guess the truth will come out in time. Either way it’s been handled unprofessionally. Whatever was causing the angst between both parties should have been kept in house until the end of the year. From the day DCE aired his intentions about leaving Manly is the same time his form dropped. It’s the same time you could see the animosity between him & Jurbo…..as he said ‘I don’t really care where he goes’. Refusing to clarify where he was going or what he was doing was always going to linger like a bad smell. Of course there is division in the playing group. It’s clear to see on the playing field & all of a sudden the coach is under fire! Siebold is not a great coach but FMD with players we have we should not be in this position! Players are professional enough & good enough to rise above the BS & win games no matter the coach. Yes maybe the players are confused with the tactics employed by the coaching staff & don’t like the methods but to totally put the blame on Siebold is wrong…..in my opinion. Whatever has infected the playing group has to go…..DCE is a good start. If Siebold needs to go also, so be it. If any player thinks they’re bigger than the club they can go also. If the Penn’s don’t want to input more money then they can go also. Sell up, ship out & leave us the fu<k alone!

 

[Cliffycomeback]

2026 season already looks like a write off as well with My Fluff's comments

Winners party and losers look for excuses

Seibold’s job declared safe as Sea Eagles club boss opens up on ‘one of the worst’ seasons​

Manly chairman Scott Penn has guaranteed Anthony Seibold — who he described as a “master student of the game” — will be given more time to turn the Sea Eagles into a premiership force.

All but out of the running to make the finals despite a stunning victory over premiership favourites the Storm in Melbourne last month, the Sea Eagles have been licking their wounds before captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ 350th NRL game milestone on Saturday.

Seibold has had to contend with Cherry-Evans announcing early in the season he wouldn’t be renewing his contract on the northern beaches, a crippling injury toll which has robbed him of forwards Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai for long periods, Jake Trbojevic’s concussion-interrupted year and brother Tom searching to find his best form.

The Sea Eagles have crashed to four straight losses since the Storm win, meaning it will be the second time in Seibold’s three years in charge they’ve missed the top eight, barring a mathematical miracle in the last three weeks.

Former NRL Coach of the Year Seibold has already privately indicated to the club he doesn’t want to be a clipboard carrier for the rest of his career, and has interest in transitioning into an executive role. He’s under contract until the end of 2027.

The Sea Eagles have internally discussed Michael Ennis potentially being his successor.

But despite their disappointing campaign so far, Penn has assured Seibold will remain in charge for next season when Raiders No.7 Jamal Fogarty replaces Cherry-Evans in the halves.

“Absolutely (he will),” Penn said. “He’s a master student of the game. He’s got a phenomenal understanding of the game and a phenomenal support crew who back him.

“It’s tough for anyone to go through what we’ve gone through this season. I’ve been here 20 years now and it’s one of the toughest I’ve been involved in. There’s no sugar coating it; it’s been one of the worst with so many different things – and a lot of them have come at the worst possible time.

“We won three of the first four and everything was looking great. But that’s footy. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Everyone is trying their guts out.

“Seibs, (chief executive) Tony (Mestrov) and I are all in alignment and in constant dialogue, not only about how we can finish this year as strong as possible, but some of the tweaks we can make for ’26 to come out of the blocks strong. That’s what it’s all about.

“There’s no drama behind the scenes.”

There’s been speculation about Cherry-Evans’ future from the minute he announced on live television earlier this year he would not be renewing his Manly contract, leaving the door ajar to finish his career elsewhere in the NRL.

The Roosters have been widely speculated as his destination, but neither Cherry-Evans or the club have confirmed an agreement, only saying they’ve held talks.

Former State of Origin captain Jake Trbojevic is the likely candidate to take over the Manly captaincy, but has had a forgettable season, sitting out again this week after suffering his third concussion of the year in the loss to the Raiders.

“It’s been a tough year for Jake with concussions, but we just wrap our arms around Jake and do what it best for him,” Penn said. “Right now, he’s still dealing with some of the consequences of the last concussion. Our sole focus is to get him healthy.

“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘no, I’ll be right. No problem’. That’s exactly what we expected from him. He never wants to retire because he loves the game so much.

“From our point of view, we’re not going to be putting any pressure on him. These are decisions he and his family have to make and we’ll back him 100 per cent.”

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

www.foxsports.com.au

So Seibs is a master student of the game.

/* fmd */

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

2026 season already looks like a write off as well with My Fluff's comments

Winners party and losers look for excuses

Seibold’s job declared safe as Sea Eagles club boss opens up on ‘one of the worst’ seasons​

Manly chairman Scott Penn has guaranteed Anthony Seibold — who he described as a “master student of the game” — will be given more time to turn the Sea Eagles into a premiership force.

All but out of the running to make the finals despite a stunning victory over premiership favourites the Storm in Melbourne last month, the Sea Eagles have been licking their wounds before captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ 350th NRL game milestone on Saturday.

Seibold has had to contend with Cherry-Evans announcing early in the season he wouldn’t be renewing his contract on the northern beaches, a crippling injury toll which has robbed him of forwards Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai for long periods, Jake Trbojevic’s concussion-interrupted year and brother Tom searching to find his best form.

The Sea Eagles have crashed to four straight losses since the Storm win, meaning it will be the second time in Seibold’s three years in charge they’ve missed the top eight, barring a mathematical miracle in the last three weeks.

Former NRL Coach of the Year Seibold has already privately indicated to the club he doesn’t want to be a clipboard carrier for the rest of his career, and has interest in transitioning into an executive role. He’s under contract until the end of 2027.

The Sea Eagles have internally discussed Michael Ennis potentially being his successor.

But despite their disappointing campaign so far, Penn has assured Seibold will remain in charge for next season when Raiders No.7 Jamal Fogarty replaces Cherry-Evans in the halves.

“Absolutely (he will),” Penn said. “He’s a master student of the game. He’s got a phenomenal understanding of the game and a phenomenal support crew who back him.

“It’s tough for anyone to go through what we’ve gone through this season. I’ve been here 20 years now and it’s one of the toughest I’ve been involved in. There’s no sugar coating it; it’s been one of the worst with so many different things – and a lot of them have come at the worst possible time.

“We won three of the first four and everything was looking great. But that’s footy. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Everyone is trying their guts out.

“Seibs, (chief executive) Tony (Mestrov) and I are all in alignment and in constant dialogue, not only about how we can finish this year as strong as possible, but some of the tweaks we can make for ’26 to come out of the blocks strong. That’s what it’s all about.

“There’s no drama behind the scenes.”

There’s been speculation about Cherry-Evans’ future from the minute he announced on live television earlier this year he would not be renewing his Manly contract, leaving the door ajar to finish his career elsewhere in the NRL.

The Roosters have been widely speculated as his destination, but neither Cherry-Evans or the club have confirmed an agreement, only saying they’ve held talks.

Former State of Origin captain Jake Trbojevic is the likely candidate to take over the Manly captaincy, but has had a forgettable season, sitting out again this week after suffering his third concussion of the year in the loss to the Raiders.

“It’s been a tough year for Jake with concussions, but we just wrap our arms around Jake and do what it best for him,” Penn said. “Right now, he’s still dealing with some of the consequences of the last concussion. Our sole focus is to get him healthy.

“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘no, I’ll be right. No problem’. That’s exactly what we expected from him. He never wants to retire because he loves the game so much.

“From our point of view, we’re not going to be putting any pressure on him. These are decisions he and his family have to make and we’ll back him 100 per cent.”

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

www.foxsports.com.au

Master student of the game, huh? I just wish he was a decent coach.

Remember the "Axis of Evil"? Prepare yourselves in 2026 for the "Alignment of Arseholes" (although that sounds a lot like what @Wombat64 has to do as a first step for his pre-game lube appointments).

 

[The Who]

2026 season already looks like a write off as well with My Fluff's comments

Winners party and losers look for excuses

Seibold’s job declared safe as Sea Eagles club boss opens up on ‘one of the worst’ seasons​

Manly chairman Scott Penn has guaranteed Anthony Seibold — who he described as a “master student of the game” — will be given more time to turn the Sea Eagles into a premiership force.

All but out of the running to make the finals despite a stunning victory over premiership favourites the Storm in Melbourne last month, the Sea Eagles have been licking their wounds before captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ 350th NRL game milestone on Saturday.

Seibold has had to contend with Cherry-Evans announcing early in the season he wouldn’t be renewing his contract on the northern beaches, a crippling injury toll which has robbed him of forwards Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai for long periods, Jake Trbojevic’s concussion-interrupted year and brother Tom searching to find his best form.

The Sea Eagles have crashed to four straight losses since the Storm win, meaning it will be the second time in Seibold’s three years in charge they’ve missed the top eight, barring a mathematical miracle in the last three weeks.

Former NRL Coach of the Year Seibold has already privately indicated to the club he doesn’t want to be a clipboard carrier for the rest of his career, and has interest in transitioning into an executive role. He’s under contract until the end of 2027.

The Sea Eagles have internally discussed Michael Ennis potentially being his successor.

But despite their disappointing campaign so far, Penn has assured Seibold will remain in charge for next season when Raiders No.7 Jamal Fogarty replaces Cherry-Evans in the halves.

“Absolutely (he will),” Penn said. “He’s a master student of the game. He’s got a phenomenal understanding of the game and a phenomenal support crew who back him.

“It’s tough for anyone to go through what we’ve gone through this season. I’ve been here 20 years now and it’s one of the toughest I’ve been involved in. There’s no sugar coating it; it’s been one of the worst with so many different things – and a lot of them have come at the worst possible time.

“We won three of the first four and everything was looking great. But that’s footy. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Everyone is trying their guts out.

“Seibs, (chief executive) Tony (Mestrov) and I are all in alignment and in constant dialogue, not only about how we can finish this year as strong as possible, but some of the tweaks we can make for ’26 to come out of the blocks strong. That’s what it’s all about.

“There’s no drama behind the scenes.”

There’s been speculation about Cherry-Evans’ future from the minute he announced on live television earlier this year he would not be renewing his Manly contract, leaving the door ajar to finish his career elsewhere in the NRL.

The Roosters have been widely speculated as his destination, but neither Cherry-Evans or the club have confirmed an agreement, only saying they’ve held talks.

Former State of Origin captain Jake Trbojevic is the likely candidate to take over the Manly captaincy, but has had a forgettable season, sitting out again this week after suffering his third concussion of the year in the loss to the Raiders.

“It’s been a tough year for Jake with concussions, but we just wrap our arms around Jake and do what it best for him,” Penn said. “Right now, he’s still dealing with some of the consequences of the last concussion. Our sole focus is to get him healthy.

“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘no, I’ll be right. No problem’. That’s exactly what we expected from him. He never wants to retire because he loves the game so much.

“From our point of view, we’re not going to be putting any pressure on him. These are decisions he and his family have to make and we’ll back him 100 per cent.”

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

www.foxsports.com.au

This mumbo jumbo makes me both angry and sad. There is no future for this club. I'm just about done. The bandaid is close to being ripped off which is probably the best decision for my wellbeing.

 

[Raven Mad Manly Fan]

Seibold’s job declared safe as Sea Eagles club boss opens up on ‘one of the worst’ seasons


“Absolutely (he will),” Penn said. “He’s a master student of the game. He’s got a phenomenal understanding of the game....

Pity he doesn't have phenomenal results.. Apparently it is "a results-driven business", or so we were told.

 

[Sea Eagle 4 Life]

So Seibs is a master student of the game.

/* fmd */

He obviously hasn't graduated yet.
Must have repeated a few years.

 

[mickqld]

When did the smear campaign against the Dollar Chaser start again ?

The day he flipped the Titans and accepted the biggest anchor around our necks contract.

 

[mickqld]

Agree mostly mate but I just feel money is a key element in any decision DCE makes. He has history!!! Whether it’s him or the club that has caused our season to spiral is an unknown & I guess the truth will come out in time. Either way it’s been handle unprofessionally. Whatever was causing the angst between both parties should have been kept in house until the end of the year. From the day DCE aired his intentions about leaving Manly is the same time his form dropped. It’s the same time you could see the animosity between him & Jurbo…..as he said ‘I don’t really care where he goes’. Refusing to clarify where he was going or what he was doing was always going to linger like a bad smell. Of course there is division in the playing group. It’s clear to see on the playing field & all of a sudden the coach is under fire! Siebold is not a great coach but FMD with players we have we should not be in this position! Players are professional enough & good enough to rise above the BS & win games no matter the coach. Yes maybe the players are confused with the tactics employed by the coaching staff & don’t like the methods but to totally put the blame on Siebold is wrong…..in my opinion. Whatever has infected the playing group has to go…..DCE is a good start. If Siebold needs to go also, so be it. If any player thinks they’re bigger than the club they can go also. If the Penn’s don’t want to input more money then they can go also. Sell up, ship out & leave us the fu<k alone!

You say we have the players to have done better but just look at that forward pack we're running out now and most of the year. It's absolute arse. Not one of them would get a start in the top 10-12 clubs. Maybe a bench spot or 2 at best.

 

[voicefromthehill]

The only bit I couldn't see in the synopsis

Watmough is alleged to be behind both the "smear" campaign against $¢€ and the push for Seibiold to go - foot in both camps that boy has and clearly someone you never want to slight

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

You say we have the players to have done better but just look at that forward pack we're running out now and most of the year. It's absolute arse. Not one of them would get a start in the top 10-12 clubs. Maybe a bench spot or 2 at best.

Ola would , but he’s the only one

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

This mumbo jumbo makes me both angry and sad. There is no future for this club. I'm just about done. The bandaid is close to being ripped off which is probably the best decision for my wellbeing.

Hang in there old mate , good times , bad times , you know the drill.

 

[Phobia]

The only bit I couldn't see in the synopsis

Watmough is alleged to be behind both the "smear" campaign against $¢€ and the push for Seibiold to go - foot in both camps that boy has and clearly someone you never want to slight

Added that. He also went on the HSP "anonymously" (lol) and ripped into DCE.

Definitely a strong influence, and no doubt likely has Turbo's, and some of the younger players he's coached, on his side.

 

[madmax]

You say we have the players to have done better but just look at that forward pack we're running out now and most of the year. It's absolute arse. Not one of them would get a start in the top 10-12 clubs. Maybe a bench spot or 2 at best.

Mick we’ve beaten top eight clubs with a weakened forward pack….we should have done better.

 

[eaglebuzz]

What I find interesting about this timeline is the idea that DCE made that fateful appearance on 100% footy to get out ahead of a leak. That would explain a bit.

Signing Fogarty would have made it pretty clear he was leaving, even if it had all been kept under wraps. But yes the high road would have been to say nothing until season's end.

 

[Brookie1973]

Master student of the game, huh? I just wish he was a decent coach.

Remember the "Axis of Evil"? Prepare yourselves in 2026 for the "Alignment of Arseholes" (although that sounds a lot like what @Wombat64 has to do as a first step for his pre-game lube appointments).

I’m not entirely sure Scott Penn is eminently qualified to judge who meets the criteria for “master student of the game”. Where did Scott play his junior league again?

Brace yourself for a bottom 4 position next year (or worse) before the master student gets promoted to head of football to further add to his impressive resume. We are doomed.

 

[Wombat64]

2026 season already looks like a write off as well with My Fluff's comments

Winners party and losers look for excuses

Seibold’s job declared safe as Sea Eagles club boss opens up on ‘one of the worst’ seasons​

Manly chairman Scott Penn has guaranteed Anthony Seibold — who he described as a “master student of the game” — will be given more time to turn the Sea Eagles into a premiership force.

All but out of the running to make the finals despite a stunning victory over premiership favourites the Storm in Melbourne last month, the Sea Eagles have been licking their wounds before captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ 350th NRL game milestone on Saturday.

Seibold has had to contend with Cherry-Evans announcing early in the season he wouldn’t be renewing his contract on the northern beaches, a crippling injury toll which has robbed him of forwards Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai for long periods, Jake Trbojevic’s concussion-interrupted year and brother Tom searching to find his best form.

The Sea Eagles have crashed to four straight losses since the Storm win, meaning it will be the second time in Seibold’s three years in charge they’ve missed the top eight, barring a mathematical miracle in the last three weeks.

Former NRL Coach of the Year Seibold has already privately indicated to the club he doesn’t want to be a clipboard carrier for the rest of his career, and has interest in transitioning into an executive role. He’s under contract until the end of 2027.

The Sea Eagles have internally discussed Michael Ennis potentially being his successor.

But despite their disappointing campaign so far, Penn has assured Seibold will remain in charge for next season when Raiders No.7 Jamal Fogarty replaces Cherry-Evans in the halves.

“Absolutely (he will),” Penn said. “He’s a master student of the game. He’s got a phenomenal understanding of the game and a phenomenal support crew who back him.

“It’s tough for anyone to go through what we’ve gone through this season. I’ve been here 20 years now and it’s one of the toughest I’ve been involved in. There’s no sugar coating it; it’s been one of the worst with so many different things – and a lot of them have come at the worst possible time.

“We won three of the first four and everything was looking great. But that’s footy. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Everyone is trying their guts out.

“Seibs, (chief executive) Tony (Mestrov) and I are all in alignment and in constant dialogue, not only about how we can finish this year as strong as possible, but some of the tweaks we can make for ’26 to come out of the blocks strong. That’s what it’s all about.

“There’s no drama behind the scenes.”

There’s been speculation about Cherry-Evans’ future from the minute he announced on live television earlier this year he would not be renewing his Manly contract, leaving the door ajar to finish his career elsewhere in the NRL.

The Roosters have been widely speculated as his destination, but neither Cherry-Evans or the club have confirmed an agreement, only saying they’ve held talks.

Former State of Origin captain Jake Trbojevic is the likely candidate to take over the Manly captaincy, but has had a forgettable season, sitting out again this week after suffering his third concussion of the year in the loss to the Raiders.

“It’s been a tough year for Jake with concussions, but we just wrap our arms around Jake and do what it best for him,” Penn said. “Right now, he’s still dealing with some of the consequences of the last concussion. Our sole focus is to get him healthy.

“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘no, I’ll be right. No problem’. That’s exactly what we expected from him. He never wants to retire because he loves the game so much.

“From our point of view, we’re not going to be putting any pressure on him. These are decisions he and his family have to make and we’ll back him 100 per cent.”

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

Bulldogs flyer returns forcing reshuffle for Storm clash; Broncos’ big blow — Late Mail

www.foxsports.com.au

He's certainly a master at something ......

 

[Brookie1973]

This mumbo jumbo makes me both angry and sad. There is no future for this club. I'm just about done. The bandaid is close to being ripped off which is probably the best decision for my wellbeing.

I’m just about done too. Some great memories, but with every passing day I am finding less and less reasons to stick with it. Tragic how far we have fallen from that 2007-2013 dynasty.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

This mumbo jumbo makes me both angry and sad. There is no future for this club. I'm just about done. The bandaid is close to being ripped off which is probably the best decision for my wellbeing.

If only I lived in Penrith or Melbourne. I could jump ship armed with a geographical defence to ease my guilty conscience. Just kidding, of course I am...