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 as one of the three main 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 still has strong links to the 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 by Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, before then returning to the Broncos in 2021.
Beyond Ballin, Brad Arthur is another option for the Manly role along with Michael Ennis.
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 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."
If Ballin was to land the job, it remains to be seen whether he could leave Brisbane to start early at Manly this year.
If he was to, it would leave the Broncos and coach Michael Maguire without a second assistant following Ben Te'o's shock departure last week.
"I haven't even spoke to Matty, but I want all my staff to excel in whatever it is they do and whatever they want to do," Maguire said after Friday's win over the Dolphins.
"If those things arise, we will talk about it. Matty is a great human, great person.
"And those things come to people who work hard. If it's the right time, it's the right time."
