Adam Reynolds has endorsed Matt Ballin as an NRL coach-in-waiting, with the Manly premiership winner an early contender to replace Anthony Seibold at Manly.
Ballin looms among a handful of options for the Sea Eagles, after Seibold was told on Friday evening his time was up just four rounds into the 2026 season.
A two-time premiership winner at the Sea Eagles, Ballin, currently an assistant coach with the Broncos, still has strong links to Manly and is also known to have the support of the club's old boys.
The former hooker was part of Des Hasler's staff during his second stint at Manly coaching in Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, before returning to the Broncos in 2021.
Beyond Ballin, Brad Arthur is another option for the Manly role, along with Michael Ennis and newly appointed interim coach Kieran Foran.
Manly powerbrokers are not in a rush to land on Seibold's full-time successor.
"We'll go through an orderly process to look at who's available in an orderly time frame," chairman Scott Penn said on Saturday.
Arthur is the most experienced of the group after his 10 years at Parramatta, while Ennis was on Manly's staff as recently as last year.
Willie Peters is off the market, after agreeing to be the PNG Chiefs' first coach in 2028.
But Ballin is expected to be interested in the role, and will likely feature in discussions.
"He's a great coach. He's done a lot of great things for us at the Broncos and leads by example week after week," veteran Brisbane halfback Reynolds said.
"He's got a big future ... if he gets the opportunity I am sure he will be ready to take it.
"He just does all the little things right. He understands the game, he's played at the top level for a long time.
"He's done his apprenticeship under a few different coaches now, so he knows different styles as well and how to get the best out of players."
An early move to the Sea Eagles appears unlikely, with Manly powerbrokers confirming on Saturday morning that Foran would coach the season as interim boss.
