‘I wanted to die’: Kieran Foran opens up about gambling, drinking, self-harm and why he walked away from a $5m contract

NRL star Kieran Foran has opened up on his suicide attempt, gambling and why he really walked away from a $5 million footy contract, in a Phil Rothfield exclusive.

Kieran Foran: The interview.

• FULL STORY-KIERAN FORAN: I WANTED TO DIE
• HEAR THE FULL KIERAN FORAN INTERVIEW

WITH a $5 million deal to join the Eels, NRL star Kieran Foran should have been on top of the world. But secretly, that world was unravelling.

In a frank interview, Foran speaks exclusively to sports editor at large Phil Rothfield about his battle with mental illness, his gambling, his split with the mother of his children, and his friendship with controversial punter Eddie Hayson.

He also outlines, for the first time, that his collapse in April was a failed suicide attempt.

The footy great said he’s now finally rebuilding his life.

“I'm grateful I’m here.”

The NRL superstar had just signed a $5 million contract to move from Manly to become the face of Parramatta Eels and was being touted as the Eels’ saviour. But shortly after arriving at his new club the champion half-back’s life and career began to unravel.

In the exclusive chat, Foran describes in his own words his attempted suicide, his battle with mental illness, quitting Parramatta, gambling, and his relationship with punter Eddie Hayson.