Kieran Foran to replace Tim Mannah as Eels captain when he joins Parramatta

THE Parramatta Eels are set to dump veteran forward Tim Mannah as captain when inspirational five-eighth Kieran Foranarrives at the club next season.

It’s not that the hardworking and dedicated front-rower has done a poor job since taking over from Nathan Hindmarsh at the beginning of 2013. Anything but.

In fact, Mannah has been the club’s most consistent performer for several years and always leads the team by example.

It’s more that Foran is already the New Zealand Test captain. The skipper of the Four Nations champions and, now, the best Test side in the world.

He is also a shrewd tactical footballer who would have had the job at Manly once Jamie Lyonretired if he’d stayed at Brookvale Oval.

Tim Mannah looks set to lose the Eels captaincy to the incoming Kieran Foran. Source: Getty Images

The Foran appointment was never part of his contract negotiations at Parramatta. He has too much respect for Mannah to go demanding his job.

It’s just that the Eels are determined to get a fresh start next year after a couple of forgettable seasons.

Foran is renowned as one of the most inspirational players in the competition. When he talks on the footy field, players listen.

And you don’t pay a man more than $1 million a year if he’s not going to call the shots.

He is tight with coach Brad Arthur and can deliver his game plans and structures, unlike in recent seasons when Chris Sandow had tried to run his own race.

Mannah will remain an integral part of the senior leadership group.

http://www.news.com.au/national/kieran-foran-to-replace-tim-mannah-as-eels-captain-when-he-joins-parramatta/story-e6frfkp9-1227466065494

"I agree. That's his role on the show - to be the contrarian!But I felt his performance last night had a bit more personal stuff going on. He got a bit agitated and so did Braith. I reckon something was said at the pre show rehersal. "

"Chiefy, the tricky part here is that media speculation that Matterson was one of the cards on the table is not the same as Matterson formally being a card on the table. Hence the other way to interpret the post is that Matterson has went on record…"

"Thx for posting Matto's post, Eli. That post says it all. Matto was not involved until given a fait accompli, but of course Storm-friendly media need to paint his as "stubborn". This is called "cooling out the mark", which is where the loser (Storm)…"

Replies

Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 1, 2015 at 9:57pm

This is a terrible blow for the club.
- Alan Hunt > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 2, 2015 at 6:41am
  
  lol Snake.
  
  Best news i have heard in ages, finally a skipper who will lead in actions and words.
- JACK HAMMA > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 2, 2015 at 1:08pm
  
  Its a shame that someone who's life revolves around this site has no clue about football.
- Davo 'RIP feet for hands Toutai' > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 2, 2015 at 11:35pm
  
  you are funny inspirational words from snake
Bean August 1, 2015 at 9:58pm

Excellent move
The Schueb is back August 1, 2015 at 10:04pm

I'm really gonna miss seeing timmys dopey face sitting next to arthur after every loss
SuperEel 22 August 1, 2015 at 10:12pm

Sounds a lot like when Steve Edge arrived at the club and Gibson appointed him captain.
Frank The Tank August 1, 2015 at 10:13pm

This is an outrage.
Heads will need to roll over this. Mannah is the heart and soul of the club and it can be seen in the results.
Absolute disgrace if true.
Crocker Smhitt August 1, 2015 at 10:23pm

Foran is a leader, he will be a great captain
Rosemont August 1, 2015 at 10:24pm

Great decision by Arthur no offence to Tim but Foran will be a great captain for the eels in 2016.