Kieran Foran’s 46-year first: How to make an NRL coach in just 208 days

Not the words of a marriage counsellor. Just a Kieran Foran press conference after signing a three-year deal as Manly’s head coach seven months after retiring as a player and three months since stepping in as interim boss following the sacking of Anthony Seibold.

Not since John “Bomber” Peard 46 years ago has a player traded the boots for a clipboard so quickly, according to renowned statistician David Middleton.

Like 35-year-old Foran, Peard had his share of injuries before he retired following Parramatta’s 1979 semi-final loss to St George. Just 204 days later, he was coaching the Eels.

Foran, who had a 208-day break between roles (although he was already an assistant at Manly), joins the likes of Craig Young, Greg Pierce and John O’Neill in shifting from player to coach in such rapid time, and Foran’s success at the club so far – Manly have won seven of their past nine games – is as good a proof as any.

“It’s no doubt I’m young stepping into this role, but I see it as a real positive,” Kieran said on Wednesday.

“I think it certainly allows me to get on the level of the playing group. I can connect with them outside of footy, and hopefully, they feel really comfortable in talking to me about all things, coaching.

“One of the big things I believe coaching is built on is connection and making sure that your players feel that sense of belonging, and [being comfortable] in you as a person.”

Foran’s early success, as much as anything, comes down to the simplest of rugby league philosophies – especially in the eyes of Wayne Bennett.

The game’s longest-serving coach is more than twice Foran’s age, and had already been coaching at the top level for more than a decade by the time Foran was born.

“He’s just made them happy,” Bennett said ahead of South Sydney’s trip to Brookvale, at “Foz Pines Park”, the iconic suburban ground getting a rebranding for one night only.

“It’s as simple as that. They’re in a good place, they’re enjoying playing together and defending together, and obviously, they’re playing well together. That’s what he’s brought.”

Foran’s not your typical rugby league coach, with his sincere and often heartfelt interviews. That authenticity has repeatedly been cited by players as a key shift for the Sea Eagles since Foran took over.

And it certainly helps that not too long ago Foran was practising what he now preaches. But taking charge at 35, just six months older than senior prop Siua Taukeiaho, also presents Foran with a challenge faced by the likes of Benji Marshall, Ricky Stuart, Brad Fittler and Nathan Brown in the NRL era.

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