Rabbitohs players hope to see Seibold sign long-term deal

Anthony Seibold is less than 12 months into his first contract as South Sydney coach but if the players get their way he will be in cardinal and myrtle for many years.

Seibold, who is contracted to the club until the end of next year, is expected to renegotiate with the Rabbitohs this off-season about his future beyond the end of the 2019 campaign.

He is expected to be in big demand after a successful rookie season in which the Bunnies have played some of their best football since they won the competition in 2014.

South Sydney lock Cameron Murray, who has also proven himself up to NRL standard this year, praised the coaching mechanisms that Seibold has brought to the club.

"He's my type of coach," Murray said.

"He's very consistent and he's honest in his feedback.

"He's got all the traits and the personality that a head coach needs, especially for a young player who's not as used to the NRL."

•  Rabbitohs v Eels preview

For centre Dane Gagai it comes as no shock that clubs could try to poach their coach after previously spending time with Seibold when he was the assistant coach of Queensland in 2016 and 2017.

"It doesn't surprise me that club might be interested in getting Seibs across," Gagai said.

"He understands his players and he's got a lot of experience.

"He's been in the coaching system a long time and he's been at the highest level in State of Origin, which is where I first build my relationship with him."

The Rabbitohs will look to rectify their run to the finals after a disappointing 22-6 loss to the Wests Tigers on Saturday, who held them from achieving their 10th consecutive win.

They return to ANZ Stadium this Saturday to face the Parramatta Eels. Gagai said the Rabbitohs won't be taking the last-placed Eels lightly.

"They're definitely a team you don't want to underestimate," Gagai said.

"They've got strike players throughout their whole team and a big forward pack who can roll down the field really well.

"They gave us trouble last time we played them so we need to make sure we man up in defence."

The pain of losing to the Tigers on both his and Sutton's milestone match was slightly offset by the fact that he beat close friend and teammates in Reynolds to the 150-game mark.

Reynolds will reach play this 150th game on Saturday, while fullback Alex Johnston will take part in his 100th top-grade game.

"I think he was a bit dirty that I got to my 150th a bit quicker than him but it's a massive week for them," Gagai said.

"Especially being on that right side with Reyno, we've formed a good relationship there.

"For a bloke that's been at this club, put in a lot and won a grand final at this club, I'm honoured to be able to play alongside him."