Kieran Foran officially signs with Gold Coast Titans for 2023 season
NRL veteran Kieran Foran had been linked with a move to the Gold Coast Titans and on Sunday the club made his signing public.
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Manly Sea Eagles veteran Kieran Foran will join the Gold Coast Titans in 2023 after days of speculation about his playing future.
The Titans confirmed on Sunday that Foran, 31, had signed a two-year-deal that was likely to see him end his career on the Glitter Strip.
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Foran reunited with coach Des Hasler and premiership-winning halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans at the Sea Eagles last season and subsequently inked a contract extension for 2022.
But salary cap pressure and news that Josh Schuster’s management was keen for him to have more opportunities at five-eighth left Foran’s future at the Sea Eagles hanging in the balance
Hasler refused to comment on Foran’s contract situation at his captain’s run press conference on Friday, while Titans coach Justin Holbrook confirmed media reports that the club was indeed pursuing the veteran.
Now that his signing is official, the Titans are hoping the New Zealand international can help nurture young talents such as Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton when he arrives in the Sunshine State.
“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.”
The signing caps off an inspirational return to form for Foran.
During unconvincing stints at the Eels, Warriors and Bulldogs, Foran endured highly publicised injury and mental health struggles.
Foran hit rock bottom playing for Parramatta on big money in 2016 when he attempted to take his own life by overdosing on prescription medication.
But back on the northern beaches playing under the coach who made him a star, Foran bounced back to form in what appeared to be his last roll of the dice at NRL level.
He’s continued his resurgence in 2022.
Foran has registered five try assists so far this season and as of Saturday evening, was ranked equal third in the NRL for line break assists.
It remains to be seen how Holbrook will configure his spine in 2023 now that Foran is on the books.
The Titans signed young halfback Toby Sexton to a two-year contract extension last season but giving him the keys to the kingdom has yielded mixed results in 2022.
Holbrook has played AJ Brimson at both fullback and five-eighth and insists that he is equally capable in either position, but the Titans’ attack has looked at its most potent this season with Brimson at the back.
Exciting young fullback Jayden Campbell is currently playing Queensland Cup but will consider himself a chance to break into the first grade side full time later in the year.
Originally published as Kieran Foran officially signs with Gold Coast Titans for 2023 season
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