Kieran Foran has declared that the resurgent Manly Sea Eagles can win the NRL premiership in 2026, and he will turn to mentor Des Hasler for guidance to achieve that goal. Foran was officially appointed as the club's full-time head coach on Tuesday, signing a contract that runs through 2029, following a remarkable turnaround as interim boss.
Since taking over from Anthony Seibold after a winless opening month, the 35-year-old club legend has led Manly to seven victories in nine matches. This rapid coaching rise comes just months after Foran retired from playing in November, and he was initially considered an outside chance to retain the role permanently.
Foran's Confidence and Youth
Foran is so young that Wayne Bennett, his counterpart for Thursday's clash with South Sydney, had already coached three seasons in the premiership before Foran was born. Despite his quick transition, Foran insists he has never felt overwhelmed. "I've just continued to take challenges head-on in my life. This one's been no different," he said.
Players Flourishing Under Foran
Several players have hit career-best form under Foran's leadership, including Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakau'atu, Clayton Faulalo, and Ben Trbojevic. Taniela Paseka has made an excellent comeback from an Achilles injury, five-eighth Luke Brooks is impressing after frequent criticism, and young talent Joey Walsh has gained valuable playing time in the halves.
Remarkably, six of Foran's nine games have been without club captain Tom Trbojevic, who is on track to return from a hamstring injury after the Round 15 bye. This has left Foran bullish about Manly's prospects, with the team currently sitting in fifth place on the ladder.
Premiership Ambitions for 2026
Foran believes the Sea Eagles can realistically aim for premiership glory in his first full season. "I've been really impressed with how we've turned the season around and the style of footy in which we're playing. We've had to do that overcoming a few challenges," he said. "They're starting to really believe in what they're capable of. That's been the part that's stood out for me. I've got no doubt in my mind that if we can keep striving to be better, each and every day and we can be fit and healthy, then why can't we be there at the end of the year?"
Seeking Des Hasler's Wisdom
Foran will seek out Manly's last premiership-winning coach, Des Hasler, a long-time friend and mentor, as he continues writing his fairytale story. Hasler handed Foran his NRL debut in 2009 and played him at five-eighth in the Sea Eagles' 2011 premiership triumph. Foran went on to play almost half of his 318 NRL games under Hasler across two stints at Manly and his final chapter at Gold Coast.
"He's certainly someone that I'll lean on as I navigate my way through these challenges. No one understands Manly quite like Des, as well," Foran said. "But I won't try and replicate any of the great coaches I've been under, I'll take parts of what I really enjoyed from them and the parts that I thought were really helpful and successful, then I'll be my own man."
