Why a long-term Foran deal could lock in an era of success for Manly

Manly officials are confident an upgraded three-year extension to lock in Kieran Foran as long-term coach will allow the club to move swiftly on a delicate balancing act with the Sea Eagles’ next generation of backline stars.

As officials remained hopeful the NRL would grant Tolu Koula an exemption from the mandatory 11-day concussion stand down, allowing the NSW debutant to take on South Sydney on Thursday, statistics highlighted how well Manly have negotiated Tom Trbojevic’s latest injury.

Foran’s superb 7-2 start in charge of the Sea Eagles has included five victories and a 71 per cent win percentage without Trbojevic since his hamstring tear against North Queensland in mid-April.

That represents a stark improvement on past efforts whenever Trbojevic has gone down – Manly having won just 35.7 per cent of games without their gun fullback before this season.

As reported by The Sun-Herald, Foran is weighing up a three-year offer from the Sea Eagles, albeit with the hope of improved financial terms before he signs.

Club officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity given the confidential nature of contract discussions, are comfortable with how talks have progressed and expect a deal to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Locking Foran in long term is a priority given the large number of key players coming off contract in 2027.

The November 1 free agency date looms large for rising stars Clayton Faulalo and Lehi Hopoate, as well as prodigious talents Joey Walsh and Onitoni and Ashton Large, who have been identified as Manly’s brightest long-term playmaking options for some time.

Faulalo (26), in particular, has emerged as one of the NRL’s form players while deputising for Trobjevic at fullback, and he and Hopoate would be expected to attract serious rival interest if they hit the open market.

Tom Trbojevic, and brothers Ben and Jake, also enter the final years of their Manly deals next season, though 2027 will almost certainly be Jake’s last in the NRL.

Tom took a $400,000 pay cut on his most recent one-year extension and has stressed previously he would prefer to play for less than have teammates forced out by salary cap pressure.

Luke Brooks’ revival under Foran presents the club with potentially its toughest decision, given the veteran playmaker also comes off contract in 2027, and shapes as a potential NRL roadblock for Walsh and Onitoni Large if his Manly tenure is extended.

Manly have started extension talks with the Large brothers, Ashton (17) and Onitoni (18), with Ashton especially viewed as Manly’s best long-term prospect at hooker.