Next step looms in era-defining transition for Manly
Scott Bailey |
Kieran Foran insists Manly’s looming halves conundrum can be a “great problem”, as the eventual transition appears likely to define the Sea Eagles’ next era.
Manly could take another step towards the future in Friday night’s must-win match against St George Illawarra, with Onitoni Large a chance to debut from the bench.
Large and young prodigy Joey Walsh are viewed as long-term prospects, after Walsh played nine games this year before fracturing his jaw.
But managing the transition may not be easy.
At age 31 Luke Brooks is contracted until the end of next year, and was close to Manly’s best this season before an ACL rupture coincided with the Sea Eagles’ slide.
Halfback Jamal Fogarty is also contracted until the end of 2028, after the 32-year-old arrived on a three-year deal from Canberra.
Walsh was extended until the end of 2029 in May, while Large is off contract at the end of 2027 but cannot be approached by rivals until next April.
“It’s a great problem to have, with the amount of quality halves we have,” Foran said.
“You’ve got Brooksy and Jamal who are super experienced at the back end of their careers.
“Then you’ve got Onitoni and Joey that are coming through.
“They are learning from those two really experienced halves who are able to guide teams around the paddock. It’s great for their footy development.
“I’m not worried about it at all. It’ll all work itself out … Those guys will come back in full steam ahead, ready to fight for their spots.”
Manly owner Scott Penn suggested in March, when Foran took over from Anthony Seibold, that the management of the club’s best junior cohort in 15 years was now key.
Foran was part of Manly’s last great halves transition, with he and Daly Cherry-Evans ultimately succeeding Jamie Lyon and Matt Orford at No.6 and No.7.
The Manly great indicated on Thursday that Large may wait a little longer to debut, with the 19-year-old in No.18 jersey.
“At this stage he’s sitting on that bench as genuine cover,” Foran said, with Manly a mathematical chance of playing finals.
“But we have full confidence if something goes wrong we can throw him out there and hell do a really good job.
“We’re starting to really get him close.
“He’s been around the group as 20th man for the last month … His training levels and training standards have been just where we want them.”
The other consideration for Manly is Clayton Faulalo, who will play out the season at No.6 after starring there last week.
The 26-year-old previously impressed filling in at fullback, and could play centre next year with Reuben Garrick leaving.
“All options are open with Clayton,” Foran said.
“He’s shown he can play a number of positions really well for us.
“There’s no doubt in his mind that he’ll want to lock down a permanent spot. We’re certainly keen to see him do that.”
AAP