Kieran Foran’s Journey from Player to Coach
Kieran Foran, a name synonymous with Manly Sea Eagles, has taken on a new role as the head coach of the club. He expressed his gratitude for the “simplified” coaching approach that has helped build momentum at Manly. In an interview with Nine’s Today, he mentioned that he never imagined being a coach within months of retiring from the NRL.
Foran officially re-signed as Manly head coach on a long-term deal on Tuesday. He took over a winless Sea Eagles outfit three games into the season and managed to secure seven wins with only two losses along the way.
“It’s quite surreal to think I was only hanging up the boots, six or seven months ago,” he said. “I’m extremely honoured.”
Foran’s predecessor, Anthony Seibold, had been accused of overcomplicating game plans, but the club stated that the team falling away late in games was the catalyst for his axing. Foran confirmed that he adopts a different style to reach the players.
“I just tried to simplify what the boys were going after in terms of our effort areas around their footy,” he told Today. “They’ve done a great job at buying into that. They’re really playing some great footy with a lot of belief, a lot of momentum at the moment. That always helps. My approach was just, simplify everything that they needed to do around their footy, and they’ve really bought into that.”
Club Sponsorship and New Contract
Club sponsor Four Pines has named the club’s home ground, Fos Pines Park, for Friday night’s clash with Souths. The newly signed Sea Eagles coach said he’ll take the same mindset into full-time coaching as he did as a player. He played 318 NRL games and won a premiership for Manly in 2011.
“I wanted to be the very best player I could possibly be when I played, and, it’ll be no different now that I’m a coach,” he said. “I want to be the best coach I can possibly be, and am very grateful for the opportunity, very grateful for the backing of the club, and really excited about coaching these guys into the future.”
His new contract will see the club great remain at Manly until the end of 2029.
“I’m truly honoured to be the head coach of a club that means so much to me, a club that has played a significant part in not just my footy career but my entire life,” the 35-year-old said in a statement on Tuesday. “I care deeply about this club, and I want what’s best for everyone involved in it. I will do everything within my power to make sure it’s a success. It’s been wonderful working with this group of players over the past few months and helping them to build belief is something I have really enjoyed. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by some incredible staff, and they have played a significant part in the success that we’ve had so far.”
“I feel absolutely loved and supported by all our members and fans. It makes you want to bounce out of bed each and every morning. We’re capable of achieving great things this year, and we will continue to work extremely hard to make sure we give ourselves every chance of achieving that.”
Foran is one of Manly’s favourite sons, having played 196 games for the club across two separate stints, including the 2011 grand final victory. The champion playmaker retired at the end of last season after three years with the Gold Coast Titans and immediately returned to Manly as an assistant coach.
After the side lost their opening three matches, Seibold was sacked by the Sea Eagles, allowing Foran to step into the interim role. His performances since taking over have impressed Manly officials, including chairman Scott Penn, who praised Foran for what he’s brought to the club.
“The belief and passion he has instilled in the playing group has more than delivered on our expectations,” Penn said. “Kieran’s deep connection to the club, extensive playing experience and leadership qualities make him an outstanding choice to guide the Sea Eagles. We are focused on competing for premierships and Kieran knows first-hand what it takes to bring the Sea Eagles continued success.”
Chief executive and former teammate Jason King said the Kiwi legend has brought new belief to the playing squad, coaching staff and the fans. “You only need to look around to see the uplift Kieran has brought to the club in just a matter of months – he has brought clarity to how we want to play, how we want to represent the Club and the standards we expect every day. He has the utmost respect from everyone associated with Manly, from owners and directors, our players and staff, and certainly from our members and fans. We believe Kieran is the right person to lead our team into the future, and we’re confident in the direction he is setting.”
