Manly Officials Support Kieran Foran to Guide Tom Trbojevic
Manly officials are showing strong support for Kieran Foran, believing he can bring out the best in his former teammate Tom Trbojevic. They also plan to seek input from the club’s captain on who should be the next Sea Eagles head coach. Owner and chairman Scott Penn has made it clear that he wants the successor to Anthony Seibold to embody the essence of Manly.
As Foran took charge of his first training session at Brookvale Oval on Sunday, just 24 hours after being appointed as caretaker coach and 36 hours after Seibold’s surprising dismissal, Penn expressed optimism about the situation. He believes the recent developments at Brookvale could be a positive turning point for the club’s top player.
Trbojevic signed a one-year contract extension last year, which will keep him with the club until the end of 2027. Despite some struggles with confidence in the previous season, where he was even moved out of his preferred fullback position into the centres, Penn remains confident that Trbojevic will thrive under Foran’s leadership.
Penn emphasized that Foran will not overcomplicate things for “Turbo” and will make it clear that he is the long-term No.1. However, the chairman also noted that Foran would not hesitate to have difficult conversations with his star player if needed.
“Tommy is the captain of our club, and he’s at Manly for as long as he wants to be, and for as long as he feels like he can contribute to the team,” Penn said on Sunday. “He’s not going anywhere. And I truly believe the appointment of ‘Foz’ [Foran] might actually help him. I think the whole situation can help him.”
“Foran has never been afraid to have a tough conversation with players. He’s played with Tommy, he knows what he likes and his style. Foz will make sure he holds every player to the same standards he holds himself to.”
Potential Candidates for the Next Head Coach
Several names have been mentioned as potential replacements for Seibold, including individuals who have been part of the Manly system either as players or coaches. These include Foran, assistant coach Brett Kimmorley, Manly premiership winner and Broncos assistant Matt Ballin, former Sea Eagles assistant and current Dragons assistant Mick Ennis, and former Manly assistant and current Leeds mentor Brad Arthur. Willie Peters was also considered a good fit, but he is committed to the PNG Chiefs.
Penn explained that there is no issue with focusing on Manly alumni to get the best out of what he sees as a premiership-ready squad.
“It’s always ideal if the coach is a Manly person,” Penn said. “We need the right calibre of person to help us win premierships. It’s important to have someone who understands our DNA and expectations of the club.”
“Having played at Manly, those individuals know the expectations and what people expect. That’s not to say people who haven’t played or been at our club won’t know that, but if you’ve lived and breathed and bled for the Sea Eagles, you truly understand it.”
“When it comes to the next coach, the reality is our captain will also need to get on with the person coming in.”
The Importance of Club Identity
Penn highlighted the significance of having a coach who is deeply connected to the club’s identity. He believes that such a coach will be better equipped to maintain the high standards expected by fans and players alike.
“This is about more than just winning games,” Penn added. “It’s about maintaining the culture and values that have made Manly successful over the years. We want a coach who not only knows the game but also the heart and soul of the club.”
With Foran stepping into the caretaker role, the focus is now on how he can guide the team through this transition period. His experience as a player and his deep understanding of the club’s dynamics make him a strong candidate to lead the team forward.
The upcoming months will be crucial for the Sea Eagles as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their coaching structure while ensuring that their star players continue to perform at their peak. With Penn’s backing and Foran’s leadership, the club is hopeful that this new chapter will bring renewed energy and success.
