# Matthew Ridge Criticises Manly Sea Eagles Over Kieran Foran’s Coaching Deal Former captain questions the club's decision to grant a three-year contract to an inexperienced coach. - **Source:** [Newstalk ZB](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e7ef6081-041d-46db-b456-f3bee485dd68 ## Contract Controversy Emerges Former Kiwis captain Matthew Ridge has publicly criticized the Manly Sea Eagles for awarding Kieran Foran a three-year coaching contract. Ridge argues the decision was premature, suggesting the club should have waited longer before committing to a long-term deal for a coach who only recently transitioned from his professional playing career. ## Interim Success vs Long-term Foran was appointed as the permanent coach through 2029 following a successful stint as interim leader after Anthony Seibold was sacked. Seibold departed after the team suffered three consecutive losses to start the season. Ridge believes the initial winning streak was insufficient evidence to justify such a significant financial and professional commitment. ## Financial Risk and Stability Ridge highlighted the financial implications if the partnership fails, noting the club would be forced to pay out the remainder of the contract. He argued that the Sea Eagles had no competitive pressure to sign Foran immediately, as no other clubs were actively pursuing him for a head coaching role at that time. ## The Role of Experience The 58-year-old former player suggested that long-term contracts should be reserved for proven, experienced coaches like Ivan Cleary or Trent Robinson. He expressed concern that Foran, who retired from playing less than a year ago, lacks the necessary tenure to handle the immense pressure of leading a top-tier NRL club effectively. ## Strategic Leadership Changes To support the coaching transition, the club appointed former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen as football performance director. Ridge believes Hansen was brought in specifically to mentor Foran, who he describes as still having his training wheels on. This structural addition highlights the club's awareness of the current coaching staff's relative inexperience. ## Performance and Expectations Manly finished last season in ninth place, missing the finals by four points after losing seven of their final ten matches. Ridge warns that if the team starts poorly next season, Foran faces the risk of being jettisoned quickly, which could effectively end his professional coaching career before it truly begins. ## Credit and Accountability Ridge noted a potential imbalance in how success or failure will be perceived. He fears that if the team performs well, Hansen will receive the credit, but if they struggle, Foran will bear the brunt of the blame. This dynamic places the inexperienced coach in a precarious position regarding his professional reputation. ## Club Management Under Scrutiny The criticism centers on the decision-making process of the club's CEO and hierarchy. Ridge maintains that the club should have waited to see consistent results over a longer period before finalizing the deal. The Sea Eagles have been contacted for comment regarding these concerns but have not yet provided a formal response. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/nrl-matthew-ridge-criticises-manly-sea-eagles-over-kieran-foran-s-coaching-deal/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._