In a stunning interview following an emergency board meeting at Brookvale Oval, Manly owner Scott Penn has delivered head coach Des Hasler a crushing blow.
Penn also confirmed that former Rabbitohs and Broncos head coach Anthony Seibold was a key target for the Sea Eagles in their search for Hasler’s replacement.
The friction between top Manly officials and Hasler has reached a point where it’s all but confirmed the veteran mentor has coached his last game at the Sea Eagles, despite being contracted until the end of 2023.
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The Sydney Morning Herald even reported last week that the battle could end up in the courtroom, claiming Hasler was considering a $1 million-plus lawsuit against Manly because of its handling of the pride jersey saga.
In an exclusive interview with 9News’ Danny Weidler on Tuesday, Penn had brutal words for Hasler.
”We have a premiership-winning team,” Penn said.
“What we need is a football department that can get us back there as quickly as possible.”
Penn’s insinuation is Hasler is not the man to lead the Sea Eagles back to the pinnacle, despite the fact he’s a two-time premiership-winning head coach and has lifted clubs — Manly and Canterbury — to five grand finals.
Seibold was an assistant at Manly under Trent Barrett, before becoming the head coach of South Sydney and taking up Brisbane’s top gig a year later.
“Anthony has been at the club before. He demonstrated phenomenal intellect, great tactician, really good with the players,” Penn said.
“He’s shown he’s got credentials as a head coach.
“We’re still working a pathway, whether that’s assistant to start or the full process.
“But right now, we have identified him as someone we’re very interested in, and someone who certainly had a few false starts himself, but is very capable and would do a tremendous job.”
Of the skirmish playing out between Manly and Hasler, Penn said: “We need to bring this to a head”.
“We certainly have bridges to mend,” he added.
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