Manly officials are reportedly on the cusp of securing a significant three-year contract extension for coach Kieran Foran, a move that is expected to provide stability and allow the club to strategically navigate the development of its burgeoning young backline talent. This long-term commitment to Foran is seen as crucial as the Sea Eagles face a complex balancing act, particularly with the next generation of stars vying for spots.
The club is also hopeful that the NRL will grant an exemption for Tolu Koula, allowing the NSW debutant to feature against South Sydney on Thursday, despite the mandatory 11-day concussion stand-down period. This situation, while immediate, underscores a broader trend of Manly successfully managing absences, most notably during Tom Trbojevic’s recent hamstring injury.
Statistics paint a compelling picture of Foran’s impact. His tenure has seen a remarkable 7-2 start, marked by five victories and a 71 per cent win rate without their star fullback, Trbojevic, since his mid-April injury against North Queensland. This is a stark contrast to previous seasons, where Manly’s win percentage without Trbojevic hovered at a mere 35.7 per cent.
While contract negotiations are confidential, sources close to the club indicate optimism regarding Foran’s impending three-year deal. Although there’s an expectation of improved financial terms before pen is put to paper, club officials are confident that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks. The retention of Foran is a high priority, especially with a substantial cohort of key players coming off contract in 2027.
The looming November 1 free agency deadline casts a significant shadow over the futures of several exciting prospects. Rising stars Clayton Faulalo and Lehi Hopoate, along with prodigious talents Joey Walsh and the Large brothers, Onitoni and Ashton, are all nearing the end of their current deals. These players have long been identified as Manly’s most promising playmakers for the future.
Clayton Faulalo, in particular, has been a standout performer, stepping into the fullback role during Trbojevic’s absence and showcasing NRL-level form. Both Faulalo and Hopoate are expected to attract considerable interest from rival clubs should they enter the open market.
Adding to the contractual complexity, Tom Trbojevic, along with his brothers Ben and Jake, will also enter the final year of their Manly contracts next season. Jake Trbojevic, it is widely anticipated, will likely play his last NRL season in 2027. Tom himself took a considerable pay cut on his recent one-year extension, demonstrating a commitment to the club and a desire to avoid salary cap pressures forcing teammates out.
The resurgence of Luke Brooks under Foran’s guidance presents the club with a potentially difficult decision. Brooks also comes off contract in 2027, and an extended tenure could present a significant obstacle for the development pathways of emerging playmakers like Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large.
Manly has initiated extension discussions with Ashton (17) and Onitoni (18) Large. Ashton, in particular, is highly regarded as the club’s premier long-term prospect at hooker.
Discussions regarding a new deal have also commenced with Joey Walsh, following his impressive early performances in the NRL. However, the 20-year-old is reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term future without Foran’s contract being finalised and a clear first-grade pathway being established.
A proud northern beaches junior, Walsh previously rejected interest from the Bulldogs, Dolphins, and the rugby union code as a teenager. He is said to be content with his development under Foran but will undoubtedly have suitors in the coming years. Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh has publicly expressed his interest in luring Walsh back to the 15-man code, having previously captained Australia’s under-18s side at five-eighth.
Balancing the Backline When Trbojevic Returns
Thursday’s clash against the Rabbitohs will be Manly’s final outing without Tom Trbojevic, who is slated to return after next week’s bye. The Sea Eagles’ application for an NRL exemption for Tolu Koula to play just eight days after being concussed by Kalyn Ponga in Origin I highlights the immediate selection challenges Foran faces. Koula participated in a non-contact training session on Monday and has reported no lingering concussion symptoms.
Koula’s potential inclusion against Souths will provide an early insight into how Foran plans to manage Manly’s wealth of backline talent once Trbojevic is back on deck. This is particularly relevant given the strong form displayed by Faulalo and Hopoate, alongside established backline players Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab.
Jason Saab commented on the situation, noting the positive selection dilemma Foran now faces: “The only person I feel sorry for is Foz – he’s got a selection headache now everyone’s been playing really well.” Saab expressed his satisfaction with Manly’s improved fortunes during Trbojevic’s absence.
He elaborated on the team’s mindset: “I feel like that game against the Cowboys when [Trbojevic] did go [down] and we did play the way we did, I feel like that went a long way to us believing that we’ve got players that can fill in positions. No one lost any faith or was worried or thought, we’ve got a Turbo curse. We just went and did our jobs. Each week we just play the same style of footy that’s been working for us regardless of who’s there. It goes to show just how important a system or game plan really is.”
