Matty Johns Predicts Manly Sea Eagles’ Next Long-Term Head Coach
Matty Johns has shared his thoughts on who he believes will eventually take over as the long-term head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles. According to Johns, the ideal candidate is Broncos assistant Matt Ballin. This prediction comes after interim coach Kieran Foran delivered a strong start to his coaching career with a decisive 52-18 victory over the Dolphins, marking Manly’s first win of the season.
Foran made a bold decision by sticking with the core group of players who had struggled in the early part of the season, and it paid off with a standout performance. The team showed significant improvement, particularly in the first half, where Jake Trbojevic emerged as one of the biggest contributors.
Johns praised Foran for bringing a renewed sense of passion to the squad. He highlighted how the team leaders responded positively 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. “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 also believes there could be momentum building for Manly, which might pressure the club’s hierarchy to secure Foran’s future. “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,’” he added.
However, Johns suggests that even if Foran continues to perform well, he may not be the permanent coach. The former player thinks the Manly board might prefer a more experienced figure from their own ranks. “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, another former Broncos player, agrees that Ballin remains the frontrunner for the role after Foran’s successful debut as a coach. Kemp believes Manly needs a new head coach who can embrace the club’s Old Boys identity. 
Michael Maguire Supports Matt Ballin
Matt Ballin is currently working as an assistant under Broncos coach Michael Maguire. When asked about Ballin’s potential move to Manly, Maguire hinted that he wouldn’t stand in the way if the opportunity arose. “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.”
Maguire also praised Ballin’s character and work ethic. “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.”
