Anthony Seibold takes police action over 'vile' rumours

Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has hired lawyers to help him take police action over a number of shocking rumours that are circulating online.

Rumours about Seibold’s coaching and private life have spread around the internet in recent days, forcing the under-fire Broncos mentor to take action.

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Brisbane legal firm Howden Saggers have confirmed they have taken on Seibold and will be in contact with police.

“Due to the allegations which have circulated online and in other forums, Mr Seibold has engaged Dave Garratt of Howden Saggers Lawyers to act on his behalf,” the firm said in a statement.

“At the appropriate time, this matter will be reported to the Queensland Police Service and other appropriate authorities for their consideration.

“Given the nature of these matters both personal and legal, no further comment will be made until such time as it has been considered by the Queensland Police Service and other appropriate authorities.”

Discussing the development on NRL 360 on Tuesday night, former Broncos player Ben Ikin labelled the rumours “vile”.

Co-host Paul Kent said the claims were “bulls**t”, while commentator Phil Gould described them as a “disgrace.”

“The problem with the social media cesspit that we have to live in these days is that they (the rumours) go around and they continue to be speculated in a continual loop,” Kent said.

“There is no foundation to any of the allegations being made. Well done to Anthony Seibold for saying I’ve had enough and calling the lawyers and police to finally end it.”

Gould tweeted: “The scurrilous rumours circulating through social networks regarding Anthony Seibold are nothing short of a disgrace.”

“Coaching an NRL football team is pressure enough. Subjecting this man to this kind of innuendo is a disgrace. Highly vindictive slander. #justplainwrong.”

Anthony Seibold’s ‘serious’ personal drama

Seibold will sit out Brisbane’s next two games and a fortnight’s training after leaving the club’s NRL bubble for personal reasons.

Seibold opted to stay in NSW after his team’s loss to South Sydney last Friday, with Broncos chief executive Paul White pointing to a “serious family matter”.

Given he has left the bubble, he will now need to self-isolate for 14 days on return to Brisbane with assistant Peter Gentle to take charge.

“Anthony is dealing with a serious family matter and could not fly back to Brisbane with the team after the Rabbitohs game,” White said.

“He expects to be able to return to Brisbane within 48 hours but in line with COVID regulations he will need to self-isolate for 14 days once he is back in Queensland.

“Anthony will return to the Broncos after that. Assistant Coach Peter Gentle will coach the team in Anthony's absence.

“We are working with Anthony to give him all the support he and his family need at this time, and we ask media to respect his privacy.”

NRL teams have exemptions to fly across the border, but they must remain in their bubble and return the same day without staying overnight.

It is the latest chapter in what was a bizarre week in the NRL and the toughest year in the Broncos’ history.

As well as sitting second-last on the ladder, they appear set to sack forward Tevita Pangai Jr for breaking virus protocols.

The Tongan international attended the opening of a barber shop in Brisbane on Saturday which was raided by Queensland Police and has ties to the Mongols motorcycle group.

The troublesome 24-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his deal but his latest indiscretion appears to be the final straw for the Broncos' board.

with AAP