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Kieran Foran will return to the Manly Sea Eagles three years after he departed the Brookvale Oval for the Gold Coast and will take up a new role as the club's assistant coach.
While it had seemed as though the 35-year-old, who will hang up his footy boots at the end of this summer's Pacific Championships campaign, would stay with the Gold Coast Titans in an advisory capacity, it seems he is now set to kickstart a coaching career back in Sydney.
The veteran five-eighth, who played a whopping 196 matches for the Sea Eagles across two spells with the club, expressed his delight at the news.
'I'm stoked to be coming back to Manly, I really am,' Foran, who won a premiership with the Sea Eagles in 2011, 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.'
Kieran Foran is set to return to Manly as the club's new assistant coach (pictured with his partner Karina)
The veteran five-eighth, who played a whopping 196 matches for the Sea Eagles across two spells with the club during his glittering career, expressed his delight at the news
It is an exciting move for both parties, with the 300-gamer set to bring 17 years' worth of experience to the club.
Anthony Seibold added: 'It's wonderful to bring Kieran home to Manly.
'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.'
Foran announced his retirement earlier this year, however, he could not resist the opportunity to represent New Zealand at this summer's Pacific Championships, notably turning out at half-back for the Ferns during their recent win against Toa Samoa.
Earlier this year Foran was awarded the Ken Stephens Man of the Year award at the 2025 Dally M's for his work helping raise awareness for mental health
The 35-year-old has previously been candid about the mental health struggles he has faced, revealing in September to Daily Mail that his partner Karina had saved him after he had attempted to take his own life.
Over the years, he has undergone a whopping 17 surgeries to remedy injuries, but several long lay-offs left him not feeling 'whole as a person'.
However, he would fight back and would go on to play a whopping 318 NRL matches across his glittering career, putting him inside the top 30 all-time NRL appearance makers.
He is one of the most inspiring players to have graced the game and was recognised at this year's Dally M awards ceremony for his work raising awareness for mental health initiatives. f
Foran is an ambassador for the Top Blokes Foundation and has launched a campaign with the organisation called Logan's Legacy. The campaign is named in memory of his wife Karina's son, Logan, who tragically passed away a month after his 20th birthday.
Logan's Legacy helps to fund new mental health prevention and intervention initiatives.
Foran regularly visits hospitals and mentors youth players while supporting those with disabilities.
He was awarded the Ken Stephen Man of the Year Medal during this year's awards night.
