Kieran Foran wants top rookie prospect Joey Walsh to harness his "elite level of bravery" joining Manly's starting side on the run to the NRL finals.
A season-ending knee injury to five-eighth Luke Brooks has positioned the highly-touted 20-year-old for the sternest test of his young career yet.
Schoolboy rugby union prodigy Walsh has impressed filling in in the halves in four previous NRL games, three of those under first-year coach Foran.
But from Sunday's clash against Parramatta, Walsh is tasked with striking instant chemistry with halfback Jamal Fogarty and helping lift resurgent Manly into finals.
A 21-year-old five-eighth in Manly's 2011 premiership win, Foran understands the challenge that awaits the young playmaker.
The coach will remain patient with his young protege, even as the sixth-placed Sea Eagles' finals hopes hang in the balance.
"He's like any young half on the early journey of their NRL career," Foran said
"They're not going to get it right every time. They're going to make some mistakes and we expect Joey to be in that exact category.
"He's a 20-year-old kid who's played four NRL games."
Foran's best advice for Walsh is to continue to be true to himself.
"We've asked him to go out there and express himself and be the player that he is, because that's his point of difference," Foran said.
"Joey brings an elite level of skill but also an elite level of bravery in his decision-making.
"He really attacks the game. As a coach, I certainly don't want to take that away from him.
"I just want him to, like I said, play his game. We're not expecting miracles from Joey, he's young, but we expect him to play his role within the side."
Brooks initially managed to play on after suffering his knee injury during last week's 30-4 defeat of Melbourne but is set for surgery on Monday.
Often a lightning rod for criticism in his days at Wests Tigers, Brooks had quietly pieced together a great third season at the Sea Eagles.
In 14 NRL seasons, 2026 appeared Brooks' best chance yet at a deep finals run.
Foran said Brooks would be feeling a "huge rollercoaster of emotions" following his injury.
"He's been such a pivotal part of how we've tracked so far this season. He'll be a huge loss for us," Foran said.
"We're just going to have to find a way to continue tracking on without the quality of Brooksy out there.
"I've got no doubt that Joey will step in and do a remarkable job for us."
