Foran to leave Manly
Kiwis standoff Kieran Foran will leave the Manly Sea Eagles for the Gold Coast Titans on a reported $800,000 deal.
Foran – who has 22 Kiwis caps and was a NRL premiership winner with Manly in 2011 – has signed for the Titans’ 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
His widely-speculated departure from Manly was confirmed yesterday.
Australian newspapers had previously reported that Foran was set to earn $800,000 over two seasons at the Titans.
Gold Coast head coach Justin Holbrook yesterday said he was looking forward to what Foran would add to a young squad.
‘‘Kieran brings a wealth of experience to our squad and this will be invaluable for not just the halves, but the whole team,’’ Holbrook said.
‘‘He is a world-class player who has played in big matches and he will help bring along the young halves in our squad, as well as provide immediate impact on the field from next year.
‘‘We know we have some great Gold Coast juniors coming through and Kieran will support that transition over the coming seasons.’’
Foran made his first grade debut for Manly in 2009 and most of his 246 NRL games have been for the club based in Sydney’s northern beaches district.
But he has also played for the Parramatta Eels, Warriors and Cowboys.
He scored two tries in 17 games during a single season with the Warriors in 2017.
Foran first played for the Kiwis in 2009, his NRL rookie year, and captained twice in 2013.
His last cap came against Great Britain in 2019.
Auckland-born Foran has had his injury challenges during his career, but has generally been acknowledged as one of the more gifted running and passing No 6s in the NRL.
In two stints with Manly he forged a symbiotic partnership with halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
Foran has started all nine NRL games this season in Manly’s No 6 jumper.
Australian media reported that Manly were struggling to retain Foran due to salary cap pressures and the need to accommodate rising star Josh Schuster at five-eighth.
Foran’s future at Manly had been a sensitive issue, with coach Des Hasler ducking for cover when quizzed about it before the Sea Eagles’ 36-22 win over Wests Tigers on Saturday night. them