Trbojevic: How Foran's "passion" will inspire Sea Eagles

Manly forward Jake Trbojevic believes Kieran Foran’s passion for the maroon and white will inspire the Sea Eagles as they look to break their winless start to 2026.

Foran was named interim coach of the Sea Eagles following the shock sacking of Anthony Seibold only four rounds into the new season.

Foran’s elevation from assistant to interim was in itself a shock, given the former half only retired from professional rugby league in November, having played for New Zealand in the Pacific Championship final.

It’s a record 142 days since Foran last played professional rugby league to his appointment as interim head coach.

With only five days between his announcement as coach on Saturday and Manly’s Thursday clash with The Dolphins, Trbojevic revealed Foran won’t make a slate of changes, but has begun to put his own stamp on the playing group.

“It's only been pretty quick, so he's keeping things pretty much the same at the moment,” Trbojevic told SEN 1170 Drive.

“A little bit of change, putting his own spin on things, but I think for the moment we've got to keep it pretty similar and just work really hard to improve the areas (where we’ve struggled).

“Obviously, he's outlined where we've got to improve so, we've been working really hard on it today, and throughout the week, we've got a great chance to turn it around and we need to turn it around.”

The 35-year-old last played for the Sea Eagles in 2022 alongside many current squad members, including Trbojevic.

Foran’s career has long-been defined by his competitiveness, passion, and determination, overcoming a slew of injuries and struggles throughout his 17-year career.

It’s that passion that Trbojevic believes Foran can instill in the Sea Eagles playing group, and that will help them as they look to resurrect their finals hunt.

“I think as a player, especially playing for Manly, his passion and his toughness was one of his greatest traits,” Trbojevic said.

“I think you could ask anyone… (he is) one of the toughest players you've ever played alongside (and it’s) a pleasure to take the field with him.

“As a coach, he's obviously got that passion. He's sort of instilled that, and he knows the club, so I think it's great for us.

“In hard times or whatever, (if) we need any motivation, we've got him leading us. If we can't get up for it, we almost shouldn't be playing.

“He's just a great leader, lots of passion, and I think he's going to put that into our team.”