Foran senior fills the breach

It has all the hallmarks of a classic Manly win at Brookvale from recent years. A blond haired halfback leads the team to victory, with a tough pack of forwards, some slick backs and a Foran outside of him.

But it wasn’t the Kiwi international Kieran Foran, it was elder brother Liam who delivered the goods for the Sea Eagles as they disposed of Penrith 30-0 in their return to Brookvale.

Only days ago Liam Foran was preparing for a State Cup clash with North Sydney at the famous North Sydney Oval, but in a dramatic turn of events the hamstring injury which had hampered his brother Kieran since their 29-20 loss to Parramatta last Saturday forced him out of the game, and big brother Liam stepped up and filled the hole.

Coach Geoff Toovey said that he couldn’t have asked for more from the elder Foran in his Sea Eagles NRL debut.

“I thought he was consistent, he did exactly what we asked of him,” Toovey said.

“He defended well and he organised well.

“What a great way to have your debut for Manly in a famous number 6 jumper.”

Foran himself said his Sea Eagles debut at Brookvale was something he will treasure for the rest of his career.

"I loved it out there,” he said.

“(Our) first game back at Brookie, packed house and I'm just stoked to be back in first grade.

“It's been a long time for me, it's been over four years and to be given the opportunity is just a dream come true.

"It's definitely a lot quicker but you expect that. Physicality, it's probably a bit different there as well but I prepared myself for that.”

He was made aware he may play on Friday, but just concentrated on getting the basics right for his side out on the field.

"Kieran had a fitness test and he was no good so I started preparing myself,” he said

“I'm just stoked to have come away with the win. It's a great group of boys there, great culture here and I'm just stoked.

"I just went out there and concentrated on the basics. Just tried to get the ball in the corner and the kick chase and things like that.

“I let Cherry and the other experienced boys take a bit of control, I just wanted to do the little things right out there."

Centre Steve Matai also rung in the praises, saying that it was an opportunity well deserved.

"I spoke to Fozza before the game and I said it was just normal things you know,” Matai said after the game.

“Just a simple game, good pass, good catch, good kick and he had a great game tonight.

"He's been training with us for the last two, three years so he's been waiting for this opportunity and he took it with both hands.”

With Kieran still working through his hamstring injury, Liam could be back on hand next Saturday at Brookvale as the Sea Eagles take on the Titans in Round 7.

But one thing is for sure, there will be a Foran in the number 6, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him lead Manly to another classic Brookvale win.