Kieran Foran’s Strong Start as Manly Sea Eagles Interim Coach
Matty Johns, a well-known figure in the rugby league world, has shared his thoughts on who could eventually take over as the long-term head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles. According to Johns, the ideal candidate is Matt Ballin, an assistant coach with the Brisbane Broncos.
Foran’s first game as interim coach was a resounding success, with the Sea Eagles defeating the Dolphins 52-18. This marked their first win of the season and set a positive tone for the team. Foran made a bold decision by keeping the core group of players who had struggled in the early part of the season, and it paid off with a strong performance.
Jake Trbojevic stood out as one of the biggest improvers during the match, particularly in the first half. His performance highlighted the potential of the team when given the right guidance and support.
Johns praised Foran’s ability to bring passion into the team, noting that the leaders stepped up after a difficult start under previous coach Trent Barrett. “But he’s the perfect guy to follow in if you’re Kieran Foran, because he’s put a lot of things in place,” Johns said on SEN Radio about the difference Foran brings.
“Kieran Foran walks in, and he’s just got the respect. He knows how to get players up for games. I just saw that difference last night, just that sprinkle of emotion in their performance.”
Johns believes there is potential for momentum to build at Manly, which could create pressure on the club’s hierarchy to secure Foran as a permanent coach. “I think there is every chance they are going to go on a run here…they have their confidence up, Foran’s moved in and has all the respect of the players…if they do go on the run we are talking about, fans will be saying, ‘sign him, sign him,'” Johns said.
However, Johns feels that even if Foran continues to perform well, he might not be the permanent choice. The former player suggested that the Manly bosses may look for a more experienced candidate.
“I think Ballin is probably the man,” Johns said. “Put it this way, I think he is the man. I would be saying, ‘Foz, I got no doubt you can be a head coach one day, let’s just have a couple of years, formulate all your ideas and away you go.'”
Denan Kemp Agrees with Ballin as the Front-runner
Denan Kemp, a former Broncos player, also supports the idea that Ballin is the frontrunner for the head coaching role at Manly. Kemp believes that the club needs a coach who can embrace the Old Boys identity, which is a key part of the Sea Eagles’ culture.
Michael Maguire Supports Matt Ballin’s Potential
Matt Ballin is currently working as an assistant to Broncos coach Michael Maguire. When asked about Ballin, Maguire hinted that he would not stand in the way of Ballin if he were offered the head coaching role at his former club.
“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. “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.”
