Search

show me:

Foran’s perfect start fuels calls for Manly coaching role

3 minute read

Kieran Foran’s unbeaten start as interim coach has Manly surging and fans calling for a permanent appointment.

TOM TRBOJEVIC.
TOM TRBOJEVIC. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

Manly Sea Eagles fans are calling for Kieran Foran to be appointed full-time coach after the interim boss extended his unbeaten start with a dominant win over the North Queensland Cowboys.

Manly's 38-6 victory marked a third straight win under Foran, making him the first interim coach in the NRL era to open with three consecutive wins since Brad Fittler at the Sydney Roosters in 2007.

The surge has lifted the Sea Eagles into fourth place after they began the season with three losses under former coach Anthony Seibold.

The result, however, came with a setback. Captain Tom Trbojevic left the field in the first half with a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for several weeks, pending scans.

Foran acknowledged the concern post-match but credited the team for maintaining composure after the disruption.

The injury continues a frustrating pattern for Trbojevic, who has now suffered multiple hamstring issues across recent seasons. Despite the blow, Manly showed resilience, maintaining momentum and control to secure a comfortable win.

The turnaround in form has strengthened support for Foran's candidacy, although club officials are taking a measured approach.

Reports indicate Manly will wait until at least June before making a decision on a permanent appointment, with assistant Matt Ballin, along with Michael Ennis and Brad Arthur, among those in contention.

Foran's impact has been clear. The team has adopted a simpler, more attacking style, and players have responded strongly to the club legend, who made 196 appearances for Manly and was part of the 2011 premiership side.

Attention now turns to next week's clash with the Parramatta Eels. A fourth straight win in Foran's first home game in charge would further strengthen calls for him to secure the role on a permanent basis.


Racing and Sports

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au