Drama continues to plague the Manly Sea Eagles, with the club sacking head coach Anthony Seibold following three straight home losses to open the season. Kieran Foran steps in as interim coach for the remainder of the year, signaling a desperate push for stability amid fan frustration.
Penn Family Ownership Brings Turnover
The Penn family, led by Rick Penn and his son Scott, took 90 percent control of the Sea Eagles in 2014 after buying out the Quantum Group’s stake. They had held a 40 percent share since 2006. Since then, the club has cycled through four coaches: Geoff Toovey, Trent Barrett, Des Hasler—who returned for a second stint from 2019 to 2022—and now Seibold, dismissed on Friday night.
Eight CEOs have also departed, including recent replacement Jason King succeeding Tony Mestrov. On-field success remains elusive, with finals appearances limited to 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2024. The last premiership came in 2011.
Fan Backlash Demands Local Passion
Supporters express growing discontent, craving a passionate owner rooted in the northern beaches community rather than one based in New York. One fan commented online, “Get an owner who’s passionate enough about the club to live north of the Spit Bridge not halfway round the world in New York.” Another added, “Penn measures success on the spreadsheet, not the football oval.”
Fans seek leaders with “Manly DNA,” influencing the quick pivot to Foran, who retired months ago but impressed in a role under Seibold since November.
Foran Steps Up Amid Pressure
Chairman Scott Penn and CEO Jason King called Foran late Friday to offer the interim role. Speaking at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, Penn explained, “We had to make an important decision about the future of the club. We didn’t want to be 0-6 in a few weeks… and we didn’t see progression under Seibold. We also feel Kieran is the best person to take over.”
“This decision is for the greater good of the club; we demand success,” Penn added.
Foran embraced the challenge, stating, “I believe in myself, I know my values and standards. It isn’t in my nature to say no; I walk towards opportunities when they are presented. There is a team who care about the jersey and the people they represent. If the club believes I am the man to take them forward, I will do it.”
Future Outlook and Next Steps
Penn reaffirmed no plans to sell, highlighting a strong junior development system—the best since Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans shone in the under-20s in 2009. “There is an opportunity for Kieran to do something special, and we will give him all the resources he needs to be successful,” he said.
Potential candidates for the permanent role next season include Matt Ballin, Brad Arthur, and Michael Ennis. The Sea Eagles, who have avoided the wooden spoon since 1947, face the Dolphins on Thursday, April 2.
