Dave Trodden’s vehement denials of Anthony Seibold’s bombshell claims that a NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) employee was behind the malicious online campaign against the ex-Broncos coach are expected to be vindicated.
Seibold was the victim of vicious and unsubstantiated rumours about his private life spread on social media n the final weeks of his tumultuous tenure at Red Hill.
The 46-year-old appeared on Channel 9’s 60 Minutes on Sunday night, claiming to know the identity of the alleged troll and declaring the individual is on the NSWRL payroll.
NSWRL chief executive Trodden was quick to deny Seibold’s accusations and defended his organisation’s reputation in a strongly-worded statement.
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“I have had the opportunity today to have a number of conversations with various representatives of the NRL and Anthony Seibold,” Trodden said.
“While the various parties are unable to provide the identity of the person involved because of ongoing police investigations, I am confident that the person is not a full-time employee of NSWRL.
“Trolling is appalling … and action should be taken if it is properly proven. It should never be tolerated and we feel for Anthony Seibold and his family for what he has been put through.
“Equally, it is really important for me, as CEO of NSWRL, to make it clear that none of our employees are involved in the alleged behaviour and it’s also important that our reputation is protected and vindicated.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the alleged troll is reportedly not a current NSWRL employee and only ever served as a part-time referee in country rugby league.
Seibold told 60 Minutes: “It’s someone who makes a living from our game.
“There’s someone who is part of this conversation who has added to the rumours, through messages who’s then forwarded on to social media platforms.”
However, if the alleged perpetrator no longer has any official ties to either the NSWRL or NRL the governing body’s hands are tied.
Fairfax reports NSW Police may also be powerless to act due to a lack of cyber-bullying laws in Australia.
