Race against time as Titans’ playmaker battles injury
Titans halfback Tanah Boyd admits he is unsure whether Kieran Foran will be fit to take the field on Sunday, as concerns grow over the veteran’s ability to overcome a host of injury concerns.
Foran was walking wounded from the early exchanges of the Gold Coast’s win over Manly, and is still considered touch and go to line up for the Magic Round clash with the Eels. The 32-year-old’s main issue appears to be his toe, however he has also been nursing knee complaints carried throughout the 2023 season.
While Boyd said his halves partner was training and rehabilitating as best he could to ensure he took the field, ultimately there was no guarantee at this stage.
But he said the strength of character Foran showed against the Sea Eagles epitomised the man, and that in itself would give him every chance to face Parramatta.
“He’s going good, he’s just got to try and get it right and he’ll be doing everything he can to play. He’s that type of bloke, he’s pretty tough and I’m sure he’ll be OK,” Boyd said.
“It’s more his toe so hopefully it’s going to be all right, we’ll see but I’m not too sure.
“It’s pretty impressive to be honest, some of the things he puts his body through and how he responds to it – like on the weekend he was in pretty big pain.”
Should Foran be ruled out, teenage fullback Keano Kini and rookie halfback Tom Weaver have been earmarked as the options to earn an NRL debut.
Kini has been named at 18th man on the back of a string of standout performances for Burleigh, during which he has run for more than 200m in three of his six Queensland Cup appearances.
His selection would cause a backline shift, with Jayden Campbell to move from the number one jumper to fiveeighth alongside Boyd.
Weaver has been groomed for first grade for the past two seasons and has had a strong start for Tweed this season.