The Sea Eagles are determined to ensure their season comes full circle when they host the Dolphins in a must-win clash on Friday night.
Manly kicked off the Fozball era with a thumping 52-18 win over the Dolphins in Round 5 but they have struggled in recent weeks.
Five-straight losses have left Manly sitting 10th on the ladder, four points outside the top eight with just four games remaining.
Dolphins v Sea Eagles – Round 5, 2026
Standing in their way this weekend are the fifth-placed Dolphins, with Manly needing a win to keep pace in a congested finals race.
“We still have a chance for finals, and hopefully we chase that this weekend, get a win and turn it around,” Haumole Olakau’atu said.
“The last couple of weeks haven’t been the best for us.
“It comes down to our attitude, our mindset and turning up on the day and playing for each other.”
Match: Sea Eagles v Dolphins
Round 24 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
10th Position
away Team
Dolphins
5th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
There is a sense of deja vu about Friday night.
The last time Manly faced the Dolphins, Foran had just taken over as interim coach in Round Five, sparking a four-game winning streak that ignited the Sea Eagles' season.
With Foran now permanently in charge, Manly are hoping to produce another turnaround against the same opponent, this time with their season hanging in the balance.
“We’ve had glimpses in the last couple of weeks, the results haven’t gone our way,” halfback Jamal Fogarty said.
“Foz is giving us game plans, giving us confidence and belief.”
The players have continued to back Foran through the difficult run, with Fogarty adamant the responsibility sits with the playing group to turn their form around.
Haumole looking ominous early
“It’s us as a team, us as players and the club,” he said.
“Foz is doing a wonderful job.
“We know what we are playing for. We try to go out there every single week to get a win and perform well and some weeks that doesn’t happen.
“If we have 17 guys do that on the weekend, we’ll get a result.”
Friday night will also carry a different kind of significance for centre Tolu Koula.
The 24-year-old will run out for his 100th NRL game, a milestone that brings his career full circle, with Foran and Olakau’atu both alongside him when he made his first-grade debut for Manly in 2022.
“It was always a dream of mine to make my NRL debut,” Koula said.
“It feels like a little while now. I remember coming on at left centre and Foz was the half.
“It’s crazy now that he’s my coach.
“Haumole was in the team as well and a few of the other boys.”
Koula has the need... the need for speed
Olakau’atu still remembers the teenager who nervously made his way around the sidelines before getting his chance.
“It’s a very special round for him and his family,” Olakau’atu said.
“I still remember his first game.
“I remember a young, shy kid walking up and down the sidelines, getting ready to jump on.
“We all know how explosive and fast he is, he played really well that night.
“We all know how good he’s been for the past 99 games. The sky is still the limit for him.
“He’s a very good player, and I can’t wait for what the future holds for him.”
Koula has since developed into one of Manly’s most dangerous attacking weapons, earning a NSW debut this season and establishing himself as a key part of the Sea Eagles’ future.
But his 100th game will mean little if Manly cannot keep their season alive.
Four games remain, and with every point crucial in the race for the top eight, Friday night shapes as a must-win for Foran’s side.
