Over the course of a career, a player can turn out for many different clubs. But often there’s only one jersey that looks right on them. Only one set of colours spring to mind when you imagine them. For example Thurston is a Cowboy, and it’s unsettling to see early photos of him in a Bulldogs jumper. Matty Johns in a Cronulla jumper, that also looked weird.
But I don’t think I ever felt this more strongly than when I first saw Kieren Foran in Paramatta colours. Foran is a Manly player, it’s as simple as that.
When you think about what you need to be an icon at Brookvale, Foran ticks all the boxes … he comes from the most silvertailed of backgrounds, he was born in NZ and he was a North Sydney Bears junior.
Foran comes from an era when Manly players were particularly easy to dislike. Read through the list of their 2011 premiership team and you’ll find yourself saying “no thank you” or “yes I remember that grub” after nearly all of them.
But not Foran. He was hard but fair, the sort of no fuss worker you could never imagine taking a cheap shot, or a dive, or climbing to the top of a pyramid. There was something chiseled and craggy about his face. He always had the air of an old man with a young player’s body. He seems to have carried injuries his entire career. I imagine him as a boy playing backyard football, constantly managing shoulder, knee and ankle problems, but never missing a game or complaining.
Back in 2012, Crusher Cleal recognised something in young Foran, and described him as a “nice player”. This was a full decade before niceness became the Manly DNA.
Foran is about to enter the fourth and final phase of his NRL playing career.
He began with six happy and highly successful seasons at Manly under the coaching of Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey. The universe was in balance.
Then followed seasons near the bottom of the table at Eels, Warriors and Bulldogs.
Returning to Manly last year, no surprise that Foran and Manly refound their mojo.
Which makes next year’s move to the Gold Coast all the more puzzling. History suggests it will lead to a decline for all parties involved, Foran, Manly and the Titans.
When I learned Foran was retiring to, sorry, moving to the Gold Coast, I resolved to enjoy each of his final few forays in a Manly jersey.
And now suddenly the Manly jersey is in the news. Their decision to wear rainbow colours surprised some, but it was no shock that when they wanted a leader to step forward and model the strip, they naturally turned to Foran, the most Manly player ever.
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Boru
Roar Rookie
I dunno, he suited the Eels colours rather well but mind you he did eff all games for us
Boru
Roar Rookie
Biggest waste of money for Parra. Hardly even played for them and still accepts the cash...nah, not one of my favs.
UAP
Guest
Although a pom import Malcolm Reilly fits the bill .. Terry Randall a close second
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I putting forward Ian Roberts.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Vautin is a huge call... I lost a lot of respect for him when he made a joke (hard but fair) about my appearance while autographing my copy of "Fatty"
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
I'm not sure being born in NZ and a North Sydney Bears junior is a silvertailed background. As others have noted, there are plenty of others that are more Manly than Foran. For me it's Menzies, Toovey, Vautin, Lyons and Fulton.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
I'm proud to be an old fashioned Boomer ... I saw all those fellas play a lot, but for some reason certain players seem to spring to mind ... the four Dogs you mention remind me too much of 4-2 grand final era ... dark days
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Most Manly player ever is clearly Jamie Lyon. He would occasionally take a break from whining about being hard done by, to play some football. It doesn't get more Manly than that... :silly:
Ouch
Roar Rookie
The 'most' Manly would have to be a local lad - Graham Eadie, Max Krillich, Terry Randall, Geoff Toovey, Steve Menzies etc
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Not sure he’s the most but definitely one of their best when he was at his peak. Still plays with great skill and has a huge heart. Really sad he’s not going to finish where he belongs and quietly hoping for a Manlyhalfflip2.0
mushi
Roar Guru
I'd have either Cliff or Toovey as the first answer of "name a Manly player" probably would just depend on if the person asking was blonde.
astro
Roar Rookie
Yep, was about to say, its probably an age thing. I'm guessing David is younger? For me, Manly icons are Beaver, Toovey and Cliff...but again, they were my generation.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
At least they don't have to worry about making the 8 now. Storm v Roosters in first week of Finals should be a beauty.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Not sure the Manly brainstrust is having any coherent thoughts these days !
Lukestar
Roar Rookie
Maybe it's the age difference but when I think of the Bulldogs Mason isn't anywhere in my thoughts, it's the Mortimers, Hughes clans, Bretnall and Anderson. Good work on the article.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah, definitely a trooper who feels and plays his best in those colours. Manly will miss him next year as that is the role they have been missing for a few years.
Nat
Roar Guru
I reckon Manly may be having those thoughts as well considering Schuster isn’t coming on at 5/8 like he was supposed to.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
I'm not suggesting he's the best ... I just think there's something iconic about him, and I'm not entirely sure why. Ian Martin for example was a very effective player, but if you'd asked me to name 100 Manly players, I probably wouldn't have listed him. When I think of Bulldogs, Willie Mason is the first player that comes to mind. Once again, an iconic image, and a player who looked out of place in other jerseys.
matth
Roar Guru
Jamie Lyon and Bob Fulton for me. But there have been plenty. Max Krillich, Eadie
Badseed
Roar Rookie
Keep Foz and allow he and Cherry to finish up together. Resign Marty Kapow and reinstate Parker. Trust Burbo in the backrow. Next year have players not concerned with Pentecostal greed. SACK THE MANLY 7.