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Why Tom Trbojevic's life is about to get even harder at the Sea Eagles

Peter Peters has praised new Manly coach Anthony Seibold over a move that could turn into a masterstroke.

Tom Trbojevic, pictured here alongside Shane Flanagan.
Tom Trbojevic will work with Shane Flanagan at Manly in 2023. Image: Getty

Outspoken Manly life member and premiership-winner Peter Peters won't back away from his P-Plate comments on Anthony Seibold, but has applauded the new Manly coach's move to introduce star fullback Tom Trbojevic to some tough love this season. Peters and Seibold went at each during the week after 'Zorba' called for Trbojevic to consider early retirement should he continue to break down with injury.

Seibold, who Peters called a 'P-Plate coach', labelled the Trbojevic comments 'disappointing' and 'uneducated'. Peters stands by his call on Trbojevic but believes the coach has got one thing right in adding former Cronulla boss Shane Flanagan to his roster, with Turbo set to be the main beneficiary.

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"I think a major masterstroke by Anthony Seibold may have a major positive effect on Tommy," Zorba told the Big Sports Breakfast weekend show. "All his career at Manly, Tommy has done it easy from a coaching and management point of view.

"He wasn't even slapped on the wrist over that idiotic run down the (Manly) Corso after a day out on the harbour celebrating Brad Parker's birthday. I don’t want to bag him - he's a star - but he needs some hard-nosed coaching and a different perspective from what he's been getting.

"He needs some challenges so enter Shane Flanagan, an ex-old school hooker who took the Sharks to a title. He's a win-at-all-costs coach who got the best out of some hardnuts and some brilliant players at the Sharks. I applaud Anthony Seibold for having the common sense and courage to have Flanagan beside him in the coaches' box."

Peter Peters and Anthony Seibold, pictured here at Manly.
Peter Peters and Anthony Seibold clashed over Tom Trbojevic. Image: Getty/AAP

Peter Peters stands by comments about Anthony Seibold

Reminded he called Seibold a 'P-Plate' coach, Zorba responded: "I did and I stand by that because he only had three years coaching in the NRL. He had one year at Souths and was Dally M coach of the year.

"But remember that side in 2018 (had) Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Adam Reynolds, George, Tom and Sam Burgess, Damien Cook, Angus Crichton, Dane Gagai.

"In 2019 the Broncos got to the finals but exited with a 58-0 defeat and the next year he got sacked by Brisbane. I admire his support for Tommy in the media this week – he had to do it.

"I hope he does well and I hope Tommy overcomes his hammy problems. No one wants to see Manly do well more than me."

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