Manly owners say Seibold safe, club not for sale

Pressure is mounting on Anthony Seibold as Manly’s slow start to the season intensifies scrutiny on the under-fire coach, despite the club’s owners insisting they are not contemplating an exit.

Manly slumped to a second straight defeat with a disjointed showing against Newcastle Knights on Sunday, leaving Seibold already battling questions about his ability to turn the team around.

A bye this weekend offers brief respite, but looming is a high-stakes clash with the Sydney Roosters and former captain Daly Cherry-Evans - a match that shapes as an early-season litmus test for both Manly and their coach.

While the club’s hierarchy has publicly backed stability, patriarch Rick Penn hinted at Seibold having more time on his side then some fans may like to think.

“I think we’ve just got to see what happens this season,” Penn said.

Speaking on Channel Seven’s Agenda Setters, David Riccio said he understood a review of the weekends loss took place on Tuesday where the players took a lot of accountability.

“They were honest about their own performances," he said.

"That’s on them and the coach is only to blame so far. The key here is Seibold will be given a bit more time to dig himself out.”

The pressure comes amid broader change at board level, with Penn stepping aside and handing his position to his 24-year-old grandson Oliver, signalling a generational shift at the club. Despite the change, the Penn family - including chairman Scott Penn - retain firm control and have rejected past offers to sell, including a reported $30 million bid.

But ownership stability has not shielded Seibold from scrutiny.

Manly’s recent history has been turbulent, from the messy exit of premiership-winning coach Des Hasler to off-field controversies and roster turnover. The departure of long-time halfback Cherry-Evans only heightened speculation of internal issues within the club.

Penn did not shy away from the team’s poor performance against Newcastle.

“Sunday’s game was very disappointing,” he said.

“The team has got to play for each other. That is the biggest thing a coach can do. Get the team playing for each other.”

The appointment of Tom Trbojevic as captain is seen as part of the reset, but results - not intent - will ultimately define Seibold’s tenure.

Off the field, the club is pushing ahead with plans to redevelop 4 Pines Park, with new CEO Jason King leading negotiations with government following the recent completion of a $32 million grandstand and Centre of Excellence.