7th Tackle: The major reason Souths chose Seibold

Anthony Seibold has become South Sydney coach for one major reason: he’s got the support of Sam Burgess, the player who matters most in the eyes of club boss Russell Crowe.

We’re not saying Burgess was gunning for Michael Maguire’s head.

But he is a big fan of Seibold, who will assume the job after a long and varied apprenticeship.

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The Rockhampton product played in the forwards for both Canberra and Brisbane, before moving to England where he had stints with Hull KR and London Broncos.

His foray into coaching was in the strength and conditioning department, but the 43-year-old also broadened his horizons beyond rugby league by becoming a qualified teacher.

He’s since made presentations to some top sporting bodies, including Cricket Australia coaches last year.

And after helping Maroons coach Kevin Walters to a second straight Origin win, he’d even planned to further his coaching education at Ivy League college Harvard next month.

That study tour might have to wait now for the former Storm and Sea Eagles assistant.

Seibold’s manager, Isaac Moses, was spotted leaving Rabbitohs HQ yesterday, presumably to put the finishing touches on the deal.