Kieran Foran Supports Siua Taukeiaho’s Comeback
Kieran Foran has expressed his support for Siua Taukeiaho, urging the veteran prop to fight back and continue his NRL career after suffering a serious injury in Manly’s 32-4 victory over Brisbane. The incident occurred when Taukeiaho broke his leg in two places while scoring a try during the match.
On a night where teenage halfback Joey Walsh showcased his potential as a future star, the Sea Eagles’ oldest player faced a devastating setback. As he charged onto a ball from close to the line after halftime, Taukeiaho’s leg twisted beneath two Broncos defenders as he attempted to ground the ball.
The 34-year-old, who is currently without a contract, was given the pain-relieving green whistle as he lay on the field, before being stretchered off in a medicab. 
Taukeiaho was scheduled to undergo surgery overnight. The two-time premiership winner had recently revived his career at Manly after a challenging stint with Catalans in the Super League.
“Devastating for Siua; it’s a pretty bad break from all reports,” said Manly coach Foran. “It’s a double break of the leg, the tibia and fibula on that lower leg.”
“Foru can’t give him a big enough wrap for the job he has done for us at this part of the season. It’s not over for Siua; he is a true professional and will get the job done and come back sooner than expected. Hopefully, he is back before the end of the season.”
Taukeiaho’s injury overshadowed what was otherwise an impressive performance by Manly at Brookvale Oval. The team has now won five out of six matches since Kieran Foran took over as coach, with the Manly legend appearing set to take the role on a full-time basis.
Despite facing a weakened Broncos side that struggled with most of their attacking opportunities, Manly’s defense showed real strength and physicality. Haumole Olakau’atu spent 80 minutes aggressively tackling visiting players, including a moment where he flattened Reece Walsh, highlighting the second-half intensity.
Manly’s defensive improvements have been significant, with the team now conceding 82 points in six games under Foran, compared to 98 points in the first three matches before Anthony Seibiold was sacked.
In attack, the Sea Eagles are performing well and have secured a spot in the NRL’s top eight. Starting for just the second time in the NRL, Joey Walsh scored Manly’s first try when he ran onto a Brandon Wakeham pass and through a gap from close range. He also kicked a massive first-half 40-20 and helped regain possession at a crucial point in the first half with a precise short dropout. 
Tolu Koula was a constant threat after being moved back to left centre, while five-eighth Luke Brooks is playing at his best since joining Manly in 2024. Brooks set up one try by running it on the last and going short side before the improved Wakeham sent Hopoate over. Koula also scored a try when Wakeham chipped ahead for stand-in fullback Clayton Faualalo, who found Koula on the inside to score.
Brisbane, on the other hand, were disappointing. Even with more than 10 players out due to injury, there was little excuse for their poor handling in attack. 
The defending premiers squandered almost every good opportunity, with their only points coming from a Walsh cut-out ball for winger Antonio Verhoeven early in the match.
They completed at just 47% in an error-prone second half, leaving them with only two tackles in Manly’s 20-metre zone. “Our boys just didn’t give ourselves an opportunity with the lack of effort we had,” said coach Michael Maguire. “Just silly, fundamental errors cost us. We were trying to push passes when we just needed to roll our sleeves up and dig in.”
