Foran humbled by connecting to grassroots

carry on playing well without Foran and Ayshford got his second try in the 67th minute.

Seven minutes from time Copley picked up a third try for the Titans, but the result of the game had already be sorted by then and Ata Hingano had the final say with his maiden NRL try in the final minute.

As a nice touch Hoffman took the conversion and iced it. KIERAN Foran may only be at the Warriors for a year, but away from the footy field he’s using his time wisely, giving back to those who’ve helped him.

This was demonstrated two weeks ago when he was waterboy for Ellerslie Eagles reserves in their game against Otara.

For Foran, it was about reconnecting with what he loves about this game and helping out the man who first suggested he take up league, Geoff Sturt, from the Ellerslie club.

‘‘It’s good to go out and support the boys,’’ Foran said in his most revealing and personal interview since returning to New Zealand.

‘‘I’ve got a good family friend there who has been involved with the club since I was a kid, he was my first coach when I was a fouryear-old. He’s been involved with that club for a long time and is always keeping touch.

‘‘He has been encouraging me to go down and help out whenever I can and it’s a great thing to do.

‘‘They’re a great club and it’s always good to reflect and give back to clubs that have helped you get to where you are now.

‘‘It’s something I’ll continue to try to do for the rest of the year.’’

Sturt was friends with Foran’s parents and involved with the club when Kieran and his brother Liam were little.

‘‘He was the one who suggested we get into rugby league and give it a go,’’ Foran said.

‘‘It’s great that you can remain lifelong friends with people that have had such an impact on your life.’’

Going to a grassroots game was an eye-opening experience for Foran. His version of rugby league is about high pressure, large contracts and intense pressure.

But in Auckland reserve grade footy, it’s all about the love of the game.

‘‘It was good you see the enjoyment on the boys’ faces at that level,’’ he said.

‘‘There is no real pressure and it’s about getting out there with your mates on a Saturday afternoon, putting your best foot forward and playing footy for the love of the game. That’s what’s refreshing about it, with the game we play, sometimes you get caught up in the pressures and the fact that we do it for a living.

‘‘It’s nice to reflect on why you started playing the game in the first place and why you’ve got so much love for it.’’

Foran says he’s kept things low key for himself this year. He’s spent time visiting family, as well as his small circle of close friends in Auckland.

‘‘I’ve been trying to get myself well again,’’ he said.

‘‘I really struggled for the last 24 months mentally and getting through each day was a bit of a struggle, so it’s nice to finally be able to enjoy each day and go to bed with a smile on my face.’’

He says he’s occasionally gone out to bars, but it’s only been for short periods of time.

‘‘I haven’t been out too much,’’ he said.

‘‘If I have gone out it’s only been for a few hours and I try to keep as low a profile as I can, because that’s probably good for me.

‘‘It’s refreshing in New Zealand and people want to see me do well.’’

While Foran is a passionate Kiwi, his accent is all Australian these days as he’s spent most of his life on the other side of the Tasman.

But it would bring a warm feeling to the heart of every Kiwi to hear Foran speak about how New Zealanders have reacted to him this year.

‘‘I never thought I’d come back and live in New Zealand,’’ he admitted.

‘‘When I first arrived here it took a bit of getting used to, but I’ve always had a deep love for the place.

‘‘I think this year has made me appreciate the country even more, just the overwhelming support that I receive from the general public if I’m out and about.’’