Foran makes surprise return to the Sea Eagles

Kieran Foran will begin his coaching career where his NRL playing days started, at the Manly Sea Eagles.

Foran, who will hang up the boots after completing his commitments to the New Zealand Test side in the Pacific Championships, will be an assistant to Anthony Seibold for the next two years. The Gold Coast Titans had hoped the veteran playmaker would transition to the club’s brains trust, but he has instead opted to return to Sydney.

The 35-year-old will bring with him all the experience he has garnered during a 318-game career that has spanned 17 seasons.

“I’m stoked to be coming back to Manly, I really am,” Foran said.

“This club has been a huge part of my life and given me so much, and now I get to try and give a little back.

“I’m super excited to be working alongside Seibs and the team and I can’t wait to rip in. This is such an exciting new chapter for me and my family.”

Seibold believes Foran has much to bring to his new role.

“It’s wonderful to bring Kieran home to Manly,” Seibold said.

“He has Manly DNA and was a great servant to the club as a player and a premiership winner. He now starts the next chapter in his career as a coach and I’m excited for him.

“Having just retired as a player he understands the modern game at the highest level.

“We will obviously assist Kieran in his formative coaching career as he learns his craft, but he will add great value to our playing group as a coach.

“Kieran will be a significant addition to our coaching staff as we undertake a new look in 2026.”

Pezet considers joining Eels then Broncos in unique NRL deal

Melbourne half Jonah Pezet could play for three different clubs in three years under a deal that could land him in Parramatta for 2026 before becoming the long-term replacement for Adam Reynolds in Brisbane the following year.

Pezet opted to become a free agent via a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the Storm if star halfback Jahrome Hughes re-signed. Several clubs, including the Cowboys, Eels, Raiders and Titans, considered signing the talented playmaker.

The 22-year-old is now in talks to play alongside Parramatta No.7 Mitchell Moses next year, then switching to the Broncos on a lucrative long-term deal from 2027. It’s an unusual arrangement but one which has the potential to benefit all parties.

Stuck behind Hughes and Cameron Munster in Melbourne, Pezet will wear the Eels No.6 jersey vacated by Dylan Brown. Parramatta boast promising young halves in the shape of Lincoln Fletcher, Joshua Lynn, Lorenzo Talataina, Talen Risati and Te Hurinui Twidle, but they are considered at least 12 months away from being ready for the NRL.

Pezet is viewed as an ideal bridging player, capable of making the blue and golds competitive next season without blocking the pathway of their future stars.

It’s also a win for the Broncos, who will secure a ready-made replacement for Reynolds, who is expected to retire at the end of next season. Pezet is seen as a controlling halfback who could partner Ezra Mam in an exciting spine that includes fullback sensation Reece Walsh.

A lack of opportunities has restricted Pezet to just 18 NRL games since making his debut three years ago. The Storm were keen to retain Pezet, but he felt there were better opportunities to progress his career elsewhere. Given that Pezet is on the move, it’s unlikely Melbourne will allow Munster an early release – if one was requested – to join the Perth Bears.