Manly officials are backing Kieran Foran to get the best out of former teammate Tom Trbojevic, and they will also consult the captain about who should be the next Sea Eagles head coach.
Owner and chairman Scott Penn has also made no apologies for wanting Anthony Seibold’s coaching successor to have Manly DNA.
As Foran took control of his first training session at Brookvale Oval on Sunday, 24 hours after he was appointed caretaker coach, and 36 hours after Seibold was sensationally sacked, Penn said the latest drama at Brookvale could be a blessing in disguise for their best player.
Trbojevic signed a one-year contract extension last year, which will keep him at the club until the end of 2027, but Penn is backing the fullback and local junior to thrive under Foran.
Trbojevic struggled for confidence at different stages last year, and was even moved out of his preferred fullback position and into the centres to help him find some form.
Penn said Foran would not overcomplicate things for “Turbo”, and would make it clear he will be the long-term No.1, but the chairman said his caretaker coach would also not shy away from any tough conversations with his marquee man if he was down on form.
“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.
“Foz 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.”
Some of the candidates touted to replace Seibold have been in the Manly system as a player or coach, including 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 would have also been a good fit, but he is committed to the PNG Chiefs.
Penn said there was nothing wrong with wanting to focus on Manly alumni to get the best out of what he believes is a premiership roster.
“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.”
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