Exercise Patience: Kieran Foran Sends a Clear Message to Manly Fans Regarding Teen Halfback Joey Walsh

Kieran Foran has conducted his inaugural pre-game press conference as head coach of the NRL, eagerly sharing his vision for the Sea Eagles.

The 35-year-old, who hung up his boots at the end of the previous season, has stepped in as interim coach to replace Anthony Seibold for the remainder of the year.

Appointed on Saturday, Foran will lead the team for the first time on Thursday evening against the Dolphins, leaving him with minimal preparation time.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the premiership-winning player acknowledged that his new role is beginning to feel real and that he is poised for the challenges ahead.

“It certainly has now – it was initially a big surprise,” Foran remarked.

“Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous surprises. Very little has gone as planned, and I’ve often been thrown into challenging situations, but I’ve embraced them head-on.

“This is a daunting task, and many might feel I’m not prepared for it, but I’m not one to shy away from challenges. I believe I possess the values and standards necessary to be a head coach, and it’s simply a matter of getting on with it. I’m not too concerned about outside opinions – results are what matter.”

“I didn’t sleep much over the weekend, but the past couple of days have been productive as we’ve established our training routine and focused on the upcoming tasks.

“With such a short week, there’s not much I could do in terms of adjustments. I don’t intend to overhaul everything; instead, I plan to maintain the aspects that are functioning well while making minor tweaks.”

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Foran was a member of Manly’s last premiership-winning team in 2011 and has since enjoyed a distinguished playing career at both the club and international levels with New Zealand.

While he remains a candidate for the permanent coaching role at the Sea Eagles, Foran refrained from discussing his long-term ambitions.

“I’m not going to speculate or say too much on that,” he stated.

“What I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to achieve the results that the club needs and deserves, as that’s what I will be evaluated on.”

One of the key considerations for Foran will be how he integrates young playmaker Joey Walsh into the top grade.

The 19-year-old is among the most promising up-and-coming talents in the game and has had limited exposure at the NRL level. However, Foran, who made his debut at a similar age, is determined not to rush Walsh’s development.

“There’s been quite a bit of discussion surrounding Joey Walsh, but it’s important to remember that he is still only 19,” Foran explained.

“He transitioned from rugby union and is incredibly talented, yet he is still at the early stages of his rugby league career.

“I hold Joey in very high regard. He possesses the potential to be a superstar and I believe he will be a tremendous asset for our club for years to come.

“He possesses all the qualities needed to become an outstanding player, but we must consider the complications of rushing him in. Our team isn’t performing well enough to place the burden of turning a game around on the shoulders of a teenager who has only played 21 league matches – that wouldn’t be in Joey’s best interest or his long-term career.

“Everyone needs to exercise a little patience. We have a plan for Joey, and he is comfortable with it. It’s the external pressures that are trying to exacerbate the situation.

“I speak with Joey daily; he is enjoying his time on the field and is clear about where he stands in the club’s future. We just need to get our season on track … by the year’s end, he should be making significant strides.”

Foran’s remarks resonate with those from his longtime rival at Melbourne Storm, Billy Slater, who also believes that Walsh should be given time to develop in reserve grade.

“The answer for me is a definite no,” Slater stated on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“You can’t heap that kind of pressure on a young lad, particularly when the team is struggling at the moment. They have two experienced halves who can help get them out of this situation.

“Joey Walsh has spent the first few rounds on the extended bench, and recently he has played in NSW Cup – he needs to play football.

“There’s a reason he’s not currently in the first-grade team, and we often rush young players with potential into the top tier too quickly.

“The game requires much more than just talent, and if that talent doesn’t have a chance to flourish… it can lead to failure, and the team won’t benefit. If he isn’t ready, I’m sure Kieran Foran won’t throw him in without caution.

“He would prefer to absorb some criticism to ensure this young player is ready for when the time comes.”

As he delicately navigates bringing on a promising talent, Foran will also need to manage his relationships with several senior players he once shared the field with.

Players like Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Reuben Garrick, Jason Saab, and Haumole Olakau’atu were integral to Manly’s squad during Foran’s second term with the club in 2021 and 2022, but the interim coach believes managing these relationships will be smooth.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from difficult conversations as a player, and that won’t be any different now that I’m a coach,” Foran shared.

“Honesty is a fundamental part of my character; I’m straightforward and direct.

“As a player, I had no qualms about telling my teammates when they were underperforming, and I’m comfortable doing the same now … it comes naturally to me.”

Manly will face the Dolphins at Redcliffe Stadium on Thursday night.