AN emotional Kieran Foran is expected to call his Manly teammates together at 10am Monday to finally — and formally — reveal he is leaving the club.
The Daily Telegraph understands that Foran’s announcement to Sea Eagles players will then lead to new club Parramatta issuing a press statement on Monday afternoon boasting of his recruitment.
It will end months of speculation and rumour about where Foran will play next season.
Foran agreed to terms with Parramatta last Thursday, with the four-year contract now secured and official.
Humble and well-mannered, Foran has dreaded having to tell his Manly teammates that he is leaving, especially long-term friends Brett Stewart, Matt Ballin, Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon.
But Monday is D-day. Manly players are aware he is leaving but haven’t officially been told.
It will be a difficult moment for Foran, who has achieved everything while wearing Manly’s famous colours.
Kieran Foran will join Daly Cherry-Evans in leaving Manly.
The Daily Telegraph understands Parramatta did not include a clause in the Foran deal stating he could leave should coach Brad Arthur be sacked.
Foran is an avid fan of Arthur’s coaching ability.
All the additional clauses in the Eels’ deal have been signed off and a public announcement is the final process. Eels members will be told first via an email.
Given he is still contracted to Manly for this year, Foran will not appear at a Parramatta press conference.
It is understood Foran has already told some members of Manly management of his decision.
Parramatta had wanted to announce the deal earlier to avoid the ongoing scrutiny and innuendo.
But Foran’s management wasn’t keen on releasing any contract details before Manly’s game against Melbourne at Brookvale Oval last Saturday night.
Manly defeat Melbourne in 24-22 thriller
Daly Cherry-Evans was criticised for having his contract negotiations played out in public, and for announcing his decision to move to the Titans straight after Manly’s round one loss.
Manly have until round 13 to try to persuade Foran to renege on the deal. Foran is a man of honour and it’s highly unlikely he would sign with Parramatta and then want the contract torn up.
Parramatta haven’t attracted a gun player to their club in his absolute prime — like Foran is — for years. Anthony Watmough is a marquee player but “Choc” is 31 years old.
Foran is currently out with a hamstring injury.
Parramatta have some more bad news on the injury front. Centre Beau Champion has a knee injury and looks certain to be sidelined for the season.
Winger Semi Radradra also has a knee injury and could be out for up to eight weeks.
Halfback Chris Sandow has an ankle injury but could play in this Saturday’s match against New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium.
Replies
Yeah well been hearing it but until he confirms it, its just more media speculation.
Why is Foran name mentioned only when it comes to Round 13.
Are the media stating that Cherry will not re-neg on the Titans or that Manly want to see the back of Cherry.
Either way Cherry and Foran are Manly Men until Oct 2015 unless deals are done by Manly, EELS and Titans.
Foran will be the buy of the decade any if anyone questions the $$$ they have can't see the bigger picture.
I will explain for you all,
He has won everything possible, brings a wealth of experience.
He will also attract other good signings for less money
He will bring more supporters to the games which equates for $$$ back in revenue and sponsorship.
He will also bring with him the attitude apptitude and skill that has made him the best 6 in the game.
He will provide confidence in his forwards as he is a very clever player with short balls and running the blind side plays.
He may entice Hayne to want to play with the EELS again if he fails in his attempt at NFL.
I think Hayne would have made the NFL 5 years ago but right now I think he has a dream to see if he can showcase his skill in another game and take time off from NRL where he has had to carry the EELS for 5 years.
What would work for the EELS if Hayne comes back would be a massive discount by the NRL to pay half his wages to bring him back which would allow the EELS to have a spare 500k on another solid signing, this could be anyone looking for a challenge or even a player like Waqa Blake who is looking for an opportunity. The EELS need to pinch a couple of young panthers who cant crack 1st grade. They cant keep them all just like the EELS and Waqa or johnston from the Bunnies.
The EELS need to spend up on kids like these if they want to be finals contenders.
I also think Davis in the under 20's is a special player that needs to be locked up for 5 years now.
When you have a half who rushes the line and plays direct, it forces not only the defence to adjust, it also forces the attacking line to adjust as well , giving those offensive players just a little bit more of space to work with. Suddenly holes open up in defensive lines.
The other thing he does is he remains cool under pressure, usually pickng the right play.
Add to the fact that he is hard working, doesn't embarrass the club and is an ultra professional - he is a great package.
totally agree, he is a signing worth singing about.
I am more than excited by him coming to terms with the EELS for 2016.
He is the best 6 going round that include JT who is playing with 6 but is a 7.
There is one negative with Cherry and Foran moving on.
The best halves pairing will be lost to the game. We will never see a better halves pairing ever. I rate both players and they are both professionals first. Ive never read an article about either for being in trouble or doing something stupid.
If there were any players on the market thinking about a change they would surely now talk to EELS about playing alongside Foran. I am looking forward to rumours once he is announced by the EELS.
This year we will hear every name under the SUN linked to the EELS.
Has Chuck been playing golf again?
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