“Seibs is a good fella, the boys have his back, and he’s got our back as well. Whatever is [being said] out there and on the socials, it’s just that. Inside the circle we’re all sweet.
“We’ve just come here tonight to support the Cup boys. We’re not going too well in grade, the Cup boys aren’t going too well either, but it’s always good when they see us come out to support them, because they’re always supporting us.”
Injured Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu.Credit: Getty Images
Olakau’atu dislocated his right shoulder against the Knights, but avoided surgery, and said he was eyeing a round-22 return against the Sydney Roosters. The injury also cost him the chance of joining the Blues as part of their extended squad for Origin II.
Manly will host the Wests Tigers at 4 Pines Park on Friday night with Trbojevic tipped to be shifted from fullback to the centres in a bid to help him rediscover some form and confidence. The man known as ‘Turbo’ has been battling leg injuries for much of the season, despite producing one the best games of his career in round one against North Queensland. Hopoate is expected to wear the No.1.
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It was also revealed during the week that when Seibold brokered a contract extension late last year, he floated the idea of moving into a management role at the end of 2027. That idea prompted Mestrov to gauge the interest of one of Seibold’s assistants, Mick Ennis, about eventually stepping into the top job. Some at the club are also pushing for former Sea Eagle Matt Ballin, now an assistant at the Broncos, to succeed Seibold.
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