Manly Sea Eagles name interim coach after shock sacking

Club legend Kieran Foran has been appointed Manly’s interim coach after the Sea Eagles sacked Anthony Seibold only three games into the 2026 NRL season.

The morning after Manly fired fourth-year had coach Seibold, Foran was called to Brookvale Oval where he was appointed to his first head-coaching role.

Manly’s last premiership-winning five-eighth, Foran played 196 games for the club across two stints and joined Seibold’s coaching staff this year following his retirement.

Foran also works as an analyst for Fox Sports, and said during coverage on Friday night that he was shocked to have heard news of Seibold’s axing following Thursday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters.

But the 35-year-old will need to compose himself swiftly as he is tasked with restoring order at a Manly club that are in a race to avoid their first wooden spoon.

Foran’s first game in charge will be Thursday night’s round-five clash against the Dolphins.

Seibold on Friday became just the third coach in the NRL era to be shown the door within the first month of a season, after the Sea Eagles’ winless start at home.

Brad Arthur, Matt Ballin and Michael Ennis loom as early contenders to replace him on a full-time basis from 2027.

Willie Peters would likely have been a serious option, before he agreed to become the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural coach earlier this week.

Ballin is known to have the support of the club’s old boys, having won two premierships alongside King and served on Des Hasler’s coaching staff.

The former hooker is now a Brisbane assistant, but still has close links to Manly and would be expected to be interested in the role.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire indicated on Friday that they would be unlikely to stand in the 42-year-old’s way if he wanted the job.

Arthur’s previous impact at Manly also shouldn’t be overlooked.

He left a lasting impression on several Sea Eagles in his one year as Geoff Toovey’s assistant in 2013, with his defensive work helping take them to the grand final.

Arthur is easily the most experienced coach on the market after 10 seasons at Parramatta, before helping turn Leeds around in England in the past two years.

The other potential option is Ennis, who was on Manly’s coaching staff as recently as last year while being sized up as Seibold’s long-term replacement.

The former NSW State of Origin hooker is now an assistant to Shane Flanagan at St George Illawarra, and insisted on Friday night he had not spoken to Manly.

“It’s obviously extremely disappointing for Anthony,” Ennis said on Fox League.

“I haven’t put any thought into it. I am completely and utterly focused on our game, which is an important one for us at the Dragons (against Gold Coast) on Sunday.”

For Manly, this decision is crucial.

A changing of the guard looms at Brookvale, with just nine players locked in beyond the end of next season and Manly now 15 years on from their last premiership.

Highly-touted half Joey Walsh has currently been left to develop in NSW Cup and will become a free agent in November if not re-signed in advance.

He, Simione Laiafi, Onitoni Large and Hugo Hart are viewed as big prospects, with Tolu Koula, Lehi Hopoate and Haumole Olakau’atu all still relatively young.