The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are delighted to confirm the appointment of David Penna as the Club’s NSW Cup and Transition Coach for the next two seasons.
Penna, who spent more than a decade in coaching roles at Manly during a period which spanned the 2008 and 2011 premierships, takes on the role following the recent departure of Brett Kimmorley.
Penna has built a long and respected coaching career across the NRL and Queensland pathways, following a 134-game first-grade playing career with Parramatta and South Sydney.
Dave returns to Manly after three seasons as head coach of the Tweed Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.
Penna first joined Manly as a pathways coach in 2004, later becoming the Club’s inaugural Under 20s NYC coach, before spending four seasons as NRL assistant coach under Club legend Geoff Toovey.
Manly’s 2009 NYC team, coached by Penna, were minor premiers. That side featured several players who would go on to win an NRL premiership with the Sea Eagles, including Jamie Buhrer, Will Hopoate, Daly Cherry-Evans, and current head coach Kieran Foran.
It’s like a dream come true to be honest to come back, I love the place.
David Penna NSW Cup & Transition Coach
“I spent ten years at the Club and to reunite with Kieran is really exciting and something I’m very much looking forward to.”
Foran is equally excited to have Penna back at the Sea Eagles.
“Dave has shown over an extended period that he’s a very good mentor and it’s great to welcome him back to the Club,” said Foran.
This is an extremely important role, a challenging role, and one that I know Dave is very well suited for.
Kieran Foran Sea Eagles Head Coach
“In welcoming Dave back to Manly, I also want to thank ‘Noddy’ [Brett Kimmorley] for his contribution over the past season.”
