South Sydney skipper Greg Inglis has given his unequivocal backing to coach Anthony Seibold, declaring he doesn't play mind games.
Seibold is one of the gentlemen of the NRL but his frustrations about the ongoing coaching merry-go-round boiled over following last week's loss to Brisbane.
The Broncos are understood to be interested in Seibold's services as they look ahead to life after Wayne Bennett, whose future is clouded following the club's decision not to offer him a contract beyond next year.
Seibold was clearly annoyed after stating he intended to see out his contract until the end of 2019 and had not spoken to the Broncos, however the rumour mill still whirred out of control.
Inglis said Seibold had reinforced to the senior playing group his allegiance and that he and the rest of the squad had never doubted the rookie mentor.
"The whole group know he's here till next year and as a squad we got clarity from him," Inglis said.
"He told us senior players that he's not worrying about that talk that he's going elsewhere.
"He's just focusing on South Sydney at the moment."
Seibold is the leading contender to take out Dally M coach of the year honours after taking a Rabbitohs side which finished 12th last year to within touching distance of a minor premiership, with two rounds remaining.
Besides the acquisition of Dane Gagai, the Rabbitohs had no major player turnover in the off-season and Seibold has been credited with their rapid improvement.
They head into the penultimate round equal with Melbourne and Sydney Roosters on 30 points, but in third because of for-and-against.
They could claim the club's first minor premiership since 1989 with wins over Canberra and Wests Tigers.
Asked about Seibold's strengths as a coach, Inglis said it was because everyone knew where they stood and he never wavered from his word.
"One of the things you get from Seibs is he doesn't play mind games," Inglis said.
"He's up front and honest and what you see is what you get.
"As a playing group we know where we sit and we know who's playing and who's not and what direction we want to go in."
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