The Sea Eagles have appointed Kieran Foran as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season following the sacking of Anthony Seibold on Friday.
Foran retired from the NRL at the conclusion of the 2025 season, after 318 appearances across 17 seasons and 34 Test matches for New Zealand.
The final match of his distinguished career was the Pacific Cup final with the Kiwis before he returned to the Sea Eagles to take up the role of assistant coach under Seibold.
Foran played 196 games in two separate stints over nine seasons at Manly, winning the NRL premiership in 2011.
"I received a call from Scott [Penn] and Jason [King] on Friday night and at the end of the day it's not in my nature to say no," Foran told media on Saturday.
"There hasn't been a challenge that I haven't walked towards in my life or in my professional career.
"I believe in myself and I know what I stand for as a person, my values, my standards. And if the club has asked me because they believe I am the best person to step into that role then I'm going to take it on.
"My thought process on it is you just walk towards the opportunities that are presented to you and at the end of the day I love this club and I have had wonderful memories here and I've been asked to step in as an interim coach and I'll do that."
Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn said the club was delighted that Foran had accepted the role.
“Kieran has given so much to this club over many years and the fact he has only recently finished his playing career is an advantage, he understands the current pace of the game and what we need to do to compete," Penn said.
“He is Manly through and through and we know that he will pour all his energy into this new role.
CEO Jason King added, “Kieran has adapted so well in his short time back at the Club and we are thrilled he will be leading our team forward for the remainder of this season.
“He has a strong team around him, and I know he will make a success of this new role."
Seibold parted ways with the club on Friday after a 0-3 start to the season with all three losses coming on home soil at 4 Pines Park.
