Papua New Guinea’s newest National Rugby League expansion franchise, the PNG Chiefs, has continued its aggressive off-season roster and staff recruitment drive by securing a major coaching addition: seasoned former NRL head coach Anthony Seibold has signed on as an assistant coach for the club’s highly anticipated debut season in 2028.
Seibold will join existing assistant Luke Bert to support head coach Willie Peters, who has already pulled off a string of high-profile player signings ahead of the Chiefs’ first competitive campaign. Standouts among the confirmed playing squad include representative star Jarome Luai, standout outside back Zac Lomax and experienced utility Connor Watson, all of whom have officially committed to the expansion club.
For Seibold, the appointment marks a fresh career opportunity following an early-season departure from his most recent head coaching role at the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. He was relieved of his duties just three matches into the current NRL season after suffering three straight home defeats, opening the door for a new challenge with the ambitious PNG-based franchise.
With a well-established coaching resume that includes senior head coaching roles at top NRL clubs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles, plus coaching experience across multiple international sports, Seibold brings a depth of elite-level expertise few other candidates can match. In comments following the official announcement, he expressed enthusiasm for the project the Chiefs are building in Papua New Guinea.
“I’m looking forward to working with Willie Peters and supporting the vision that this club has,” Seibold said. “The Chiefs are building something special with strong values and great people, and I’m excited to play my part in helping them succeed. The chance to make a positive impact on players, staff and the wider community was a big reason I wanted to join the Chiefs. Success on the field is important, but building something that inspires people across Papua New Guinea is just as meaningful.”
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas praised the signing, noting Seibold’s background will be an invaluable asset for Peters as he navigates the unique challenges of launching a new NRL franchise. Chammas emphasized that Seibold’s experience as a head coach will not only complement the existing coaching staff but also provide a trusted sounding board for the club’s first ever head coach.
“We’re really excited about Anthony joining our coaching staff and believe that he will add a great deal to the playing group and football department as a whole,” Chammas said. “His experience in numerous roles across rugby league is a great benefit to us, and his time as a head coach in particular will help him be a trusted adviser to Willie. It will also complement the attributes that Luke brings as an assistant coach, and we believe they will work extremely well together alongside the rest of our football staff.”
Chammas added that Seibold’s first-hand exposure to Papua New Guinea during a recent visit left him eager to contribute to the club’s growth, cementing his interest in the role. Seibold and his family will officially join the Chiefs organization in November 2027, as the club continues laying solid foundational structures ahead of its first NRL season kickoff in 2028. The signing of Seibold is the latest in a series of key personnel moves that have positioned the expansion franchise for a competitive debut in the league.