Foran's son in hospital during Thursday nights game

AdvertisementThe off-field drama Parramatta Eels captain Kieran Foran kept secret before returning to Brookvale to dismantle Manly Sea EaglesBy DANNY WEIDLERKieran Foran had plenty to deal with facing Manly for the first time on Thursday but there was an issue closer to home that again highlighted his mental strength and ability to deal with what is in front of him on the field.Foran kept the fact that his eight-week-old son had to be hospitalised in the lead-up to the game quiet from the media and most of his teammates.He had a bronchial infection and Foran played against his old team with his son in hospital. He got out on Thursday night after the game.AdvertisementHappy return: Kieran Foran talks to former teammate Steve Matai following Parramatta's win over Manly at Brookvale.Happy return: Kieran Foran talks to former teammate Steve Matai following Parramatta's win over Manly at Brookvale.Photo: Cameron SpencerForan is such a committed dad that he even slept in hospital by his son's side. Parramatta's star recruit didn't miss a beat in the lead-up to the match; when I interviewed him early in the week he was able to put his home dramas to one side, but those who know him well say he was affected by it.Foran presented a smiling face under pressure and even did an interview with Nine in his full playing kit moments before a high-pressure match. That is a rarity and further reflection of the kind of person he is.It's why Trent Barrett and the Sea Eagles face questions from within and outside their organisation as to whether they should have kept the right half at the club.The Siren: Gosh Daher, with his son Jayden Phillip Daher.The Siren: Gosh Daher, with his son Jayden Phillip Daher.Photo: SuppliedTruth be known, Eagles greats and officials saw Foran as the player to build a club around. He had the potential to be in Bob Fulton, Steve Menzies and Brett Stewart territory as a great of the club.But, in fairness to the Eagles, Foran was never going to stay and to say they chose the wrong half is unfair to both the club and Daly Cherry-Evans.Foran was over the in-fighting at the club. It was making a sport he loved a chore. There were divisions at board level, in the playing group and the coach was on the way out.Just this week he said: "I needed the change".The best indication of that was the now famous "drama" clause that his management inserted in his Parramatta contract – that's how deeply he was affected by what had happened in his Manly days.Foran has never looked happier than he does right now as a Parramatta skipper. He is aware that there could be some dark days ahead as the Eels stare down the barrel of losing competition points over the ongoing salary cap drama.

"He is bullshitting you. This kid is 18 and just spent the year playing for his school team. When SBW was 18 he was already playing reserve grade and dominating against grown men."

"This rugby player your talking about has the same ability as Sonny bill williams at the same age.thats what molsey told me at the pool comp at the pub anyway"

"What a shit off season, last year was 10x better, we haven't even signed anyone yet we have no replacement wingers if one is unavailable what's wrong with these spastics got get Murray, Averillo or someone. Knowing them they have probably already…"

Replies

macybrown April 17, 2016 at 10:50am

Good to hear alls well with little Fozzie.

But boy how bad must the infighting be at Manly.
Parrakeet April 17, 2016 at 11:25am

Get well soon Baby Foran (Emerson ?).
FME April 17, 2016 at 11:51am

Really great bloke on and off the field.
michael picklum April 17, 2016 at 12:11pm

Looks like BA chose the right half after all.
- Yobz > michael picklum April 17, 2016 at 12:20pm
  
  Somebody else chose the left half
michael picklum April 17, 2016 at 12:31pm

Yep, they chose the "right" half & BA chose the left. Point taken, a poorly worded post. I should have used best instead of right.
wiggy 71 April 17, 2016 at 2:08pm

Get well soon little bloke. Keiran one tough character a great role model and leader. A big plus for the eels it's something that has been missing here for a while.