Canterbury keep faith in Kieran Foran despite another injury setback

Another new season, another injury setback for Kieran Foran. But Canterbury remain committed to their star playmaker, despite his concerning physical problems in recent seasons.

It’s more frustration for Foran. Image: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

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Canterbury remain committed Kieran Foran despite the star playmaker being sidelined for an extended period with an ankle injury.

Foran suffered an syndesmosis, or high ankle sprain, in the Bulldogs’ 22-8 victory over Wests Tigers on Sunday and it’s understood he aggravated an existing complaint to his right ankle.

The five-eighth’s latest setback has raised questions as to whether or not he is physically capable of seeing out the final two seasons of his deal at Belmore.

On Tuesday the club confirmed Foran required immediate surgery and will be out for 10-12 weeks.

It’s more frustration for Foran. Image: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

Foran only managed 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2018 — his first year at Belmore — after a toe injury prematurely ended his season. He also had surgery to fix his right wrist.

Recurring injuries have limited the premiership winner to 41 games since 2016. In that time he has battled hamstring injuries, a back injury and issues with his shoulder.

Recruit Jack Cogger has been named as his replacement and will make his Bulldogs debut against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday. Cogger, who played 20 NRL games for Newcastle, has been playing at halfback in reserve grade, biding his time for an opportunity to prove his worth in coach Dean Pay’s top 17.

Jack Cogger will finally get his first team shot. Image: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

The 21-year-old was named in the Canterbury Cup team of the week for round three after his impressive performance in the Bulldogs’ 26-22 win against the Western Suburbs Magpies. Cogger, who was born deep in Bulldogs territory in Greenacre, took control of the game and let his kicking do the talking.

The youngster forced four drops outs but he also looked dangerous with the ball in hand. He set up two tries showcasing the range in his passing game. He threw a spiral cut-out pass in the lead-up to Christian Crichton’s try and a short ball to send forward Bronson Garlick over to score in the second half.

Originally published as Canterbury keep faith in Kieran Foran despite another injury setback