Interim Manly coach Kieran Foran is facing a fresh challenge in his bid to land the top job, with one of the frontrunners for the role providing a timely reminder of his credentials. The Sea Eagles’ 52-18 thumping of the Dolphins in Foran’s first game in charge since replacing Anthony Seibold sparked calls for the Manly legend to be handed the head coaching role long-term.
Foran was only three games into an assistant role under Seibold when Manly bosses axed the former coach and handed the former Kiwi Test star the reins. And while the appointment galvanised the team and helped the Sea Eagles score their first win of the NRL season, it would still be a risky move if Manly bosses were to hand the inexperienced Foran the head coaching role.
Interim coach Kieran Foran (L) helped mastermind a huge win for Manly (R) in his first NRL game in charge but the club legend is in a battle to land the top job long-term. Pic: Getty
Fellow Manly legend and two-time premiership winner Matt Ballin is viewed by many as the favourite for the top job after serving his apprenticeship as an assistant at the Broncos and under Billy Slater with the Maroons. Former Manly assistant Michael Ennis – now working under Shane Flanagan at the Dragons – is another name strongly linked to the Manly role.
Leeds coach Brad Arthur puts up strong case for Manly role
But veteran head coach Brad Arthur is putting up an irresistible case after guiding Leeds to the top of the English Super League ladder. Just 18 months after taking over, Arthur has the Rhinos leading the comp for the first time at this stage of the season since 2020.
Leeds’ latest victory over fierce rivals Bradford was their fifth win in the first seven games. And it leaves them top of the English standings on points differential, equal on 10 competition points with powerhouse rivals Wigan and St Helens.
Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is in the frame for a return to the NRL after guiding his Leeds Rhinos to the top of the English Super League ladder. Pic: Getty
(Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arthur missed out on landing the top job at PNG after Willie Peters won the race to become the inaugural coach of the Chiefs when they enter the NRL in 2028. But the Leeds boss is considered by many to be next in line for a return to an NRL head coaching role.
The former Parramatta coach remains committed the Rhinos but has made no secret of his desire to come back to Australia. And Arthur recently set a deadline of June 30 this year to decide his future.
Sea Eagles keen on someone with ‘Manly DNA’ to be coach
Whether that’s at Manly – where Arthur served as an assistant coach in 2013 – remains to be seen. But Sea Eagles bosses are keen for someone with “Manly DNA” to be their next head coach, and the main four candidates have some form of connection to the club.
Foran will be given every chance by Manly to prove that he’s the best candidate, before the club’s search for a new head coach begins in earnest. But Arthur’s work at Leeds and his record of transforming a struggling Eels side into NRL grand finalists in 2022, will give the Sea Eagles another compelling option to consider.
Even if Arthur misses out on the Manly job, the veteran mentor would be one of the first names considered if another NRL head coaching vacancy opens up. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is facing mounting pressure to snap the club’s eight-game losing streak, while Cowboys counterpart Todd Payten has eased some of the scrutiny around his future by helping North Queensland claim back-to-back wins.
with AAP