Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
Kieran Foran has revealed he has been unable to contact former Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold following his sudden dismissal last Friday, just three rounds into the 2026 NRL season. The leadership change comes after Manly’s poor start, with three straight home losses putting pressure on the club. Now serving as interim head coach, Foran faces immediate scrutiny as he prepares the team for a crucial clash against the Dolphins, a match that could define the direction of their season.
Foran Left Waiting After Seibold’s Sudden Exit
The Sea Eagles made headlines when they parted ways with Seibold despite backing him with a contract extension through 2027. The decision followed a disappointing run that saw Manly lose momentum early in the campaign.
Foran, who had been working as an assistant under Seibold, said he reached out as soon as he heard the news but has not received a response.
“I haven’t had a conversation with Anthony as of yet,” Foran said.
“I gave him a call once I saw the news (of Seibold’s sacking) on Friday evening.”
The 35-year-old did not hide his appreciation for his former mentor, making it clear that the situation has been difficult on a personal level.
“Anthony has been amazing for me and my coaching development early on in this path,” Foran said.
Manly’s Struggles Set the Stage for Change
Manly’s early-season performances have been far from convincing. Their campaign began with a tight golden-point defeat to Canberra, a match where the crowd sensed nerves creeping in during extra time. That was followed by a loss to an injury-hit Newcastle side, where energy and intensity were clearly lacking.
The low point came in a heavy defeat against a Roosters team led by Daly Cherry-Evans. Fans at the ground watched as Manly fell behind quickly, with defensive gaps and missed tackles becoming a pattern that frustrated supporters.
These results forced the club’s hand, leading to one of the earliest coaching changes in recent NRL seasons.
Foran Backs Club Decision Despite Personal Feelings
While Foran expressed sympathy for Seibold, he also stood firmly behind the club’s call.
“He gave me an opportunity to come back to Manly, I thoroughly enjoyed working under him.
“He has been nothing but a pleasure to learn under, to work under.
“I’m feeling for him for sure, it’s only natural to feel for someone who puts a lot of effort into what they do.
“It’s the job for the club to make those decisions, and they’ve made it and now we just get on with it.”
His comments reflect the balance between loyalty and professionalism, especially in a results-driven competition like the NRL.
A Tough Task Ahead Against the Dolphins
Foran’s first test as interim coach comes quickly, with Manly set to face the Dolphins. The pressure is already building, as the Sea Eagles are still searching for their first win of the season.
The match will be played at Kayo Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to be intense. Supporters will be watching closely to see if Foran can spark a turnaround. A fast start will be key, especially after the team’s slow openings in previous games.
You can check full fixtures and official updates on the <a href="https://www.nrl.com/" target="_blank">NRL official website</a>.
For deeper analysis and match predictions, visit our <a href="https://www.yoursite.com/nrl-tips-2026" target="_blank">NRL smart tips and predictions hub</a>.
What This Means for Manly’s Season
Seibold leaves with a record of 37 wins from 77 matches and just one finals appearance. While not disastrous, it was not enough to convince the club to stay patient during a rough start.
Foran now has the chance to steady the group and bring a fresh voice into the dressing room. Having won a premiership with Manly as a player in 2011, he understands the club’s expectations and culture.
The coming weeks will show whether this change can shift momentum. A win against the Dolphins could lift confidence quickly, while another loss may deepen concerns around the squad.