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Siebold learned his trade as an assistant under Bellamy for three seasons and has also been a part of the brains trust for the Maroons. He is a Queenslander who has enjoyed success with the clipboard here and abroad and could be a contender for coach-of-the-year honours if the Redfern revival continues. He is contracted to the Rabbitohs until the end of next year but the foundation club is keen to extend his stay.

Despite being told he will be at the helm until the end of 2019, Bennett would likely be moved on if Bellamy shifts north, as the Storm mentor isn’t keen on sitting out a season. However, Bennett wants to coach the Broncos for as long as possible and is even hopeful of extending his tenure.

Regardless, his wonderful career is nearing the end and succession planning is under way. Kevin Walters was long considered the likely replacement, but the Queensland coach stepped down as Bennett’s assistant earlier this year. While the official reason was to focus solely on State of Origin, it’s understood it owed more to the fact he had a difficult relationship with Bennett.

Walters knocked back the chance to pursue opportunities to coach in the NRL – most notably at the Gold Coast – in the belief he was being groomed to one day take over at the Broncos. However, the pursuit of Bellamy and interest in Seibold suggests he was being strung along and is likely to miss out altogether.

Bellamy gave little away on his future on the eve of his latest showdown with Bennett.

“Again, it’s ongoing,” Bellamy said. “Obviously, since the last time you asked me, it’s a little bit closer.

“I haven’t got too much to say. Most people are pretty much sick of hearing about it now but, as I say, it’s obviously getting a bit closer.

“Hopefully it will be done soon.”

Bellamy said neither the club  nor he had put a deadline on a decision.

“If I had of, I would have made it by now, I would imagine,” he said.

“The clubs have been very understanding, really patient. I’ve had a chance to have a bit of a think about it last week with having the week off, but before that it was just [focus] on the footy. That’s probably the main reason.”

Asked if the decision came down to personal or football considerations, Bellamy replied: “It’s always a bit of both. Without a doubt.”

Speaking on match eve, Bennett, played down Sunday's coaching confrontation with Bellamy.

"I am not battling with Craig – my battle is to get these blokes to play well," Bennett said.

"That's not in my mind that the coaches are having a battle. We are not having one."