True Blue Brett Kimmorley is set for a new coaching challenge in 2026 when he takes the reins for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
Speaking to nswrl.com.au during this week’s NSWRL Regional Roadshow in partnership with Transport for NSW, Kimmorley credited a “past connection” with NRL coach Anthony Seibold that led him to the northern beaches ahead of next season.
“Meeting Anthony Seibold a couple of years ago working at SEN there was a bit of a past connection there, so I thought to reach out as an opportunity,” Kimmorley explained.
Sure enough that opportunity presented itself only weeks ago, and the former Northern Eagle was eager to start his new mentoring role for Manly’s emerging talent.
“(I’m) really looking forward to joining Manly, working with ‘Seibs’, Keiran Foran – a new staff member at the club – and all the other coaches and support staff,” he said.
“Looking forward to the change of coaching that I have done the last couple of years, but excited for the opportunity.”
While failing to reach the NSW Cup finals in 2025, the Sea Eagles finished the year in strong form with four wins from five games averaging more than 30 points during that period.
On top of that the club has brought through several promising talents via NSW Cup in recent seasons, such as Lehi Hopoate, Clayton Faulalo and Caleb Navale, and Kimmorley will be looking to keep that going.
Among the young prospects at the Sea Eagles is halfback Joey Walsh who made the transition from rugby union just this year, and Kimmorley – a man with plenty of experience in the No.7 jersey – is keen share some of his knowledge with the 20-year-old playmaker.
“He’s a good player, I was at the game that he made his (NRL) debut at, so it was nice to see the excitement and the fans were quite loud and responsive when he got his chance on the field,” Kimmorley recalled.
“It’s a chance to share my experience, Kieran’s just recently retired and much closer to the current game.
“It’s not just about coaching the halves, though it’s a craft I know a bit more about, it’s making sure you give every player an opportunity to be fully coached, working with whatever resources we’ve got at the Manly football club and making our players as good as we can make them.”
As for Kimmorley’s coaching philosophy, good preparation and getting the fundamentals right will go a long way to his side performing at their best on game day.
“I think it’s important that (my) players get extremely fit, get well connected and want to work hard for each other," he said.
“We’ll play a good brand of football, it’ll be about building pressure, defending well and high execution.
“If they put the work in they should be able to execute on the big day.”
