Made the right decision - Rothfield - Eels Blogs

Kieran Foran made the right decision choosing health over footballan hour agoPhil RothfieldThe Daily TelegraphSubscriber onlyHE was supposed to be the man to deliver the Parramatta Eels’ first premiership in 30 years.Instead it ended in a private and brief conversation with coach Brad Arthur at training on Thursday morning.And those closest to Kieran Foran say he was the happiest he had been for months on Thursday night as he began telling friends of his bombshell decision.It was like a giant load being lifted from his shoulders. There was no longer any pressure as an NRL superstar.He was now Kieran Foran, member of the public, not Kieran Foran NRL star.Here is a 25-year-old turning his back on a $5 million contract, one of the richest in NRL history.It was a choice between freedom or a fortune — and he chose the first option.That’s not to say his decision to quit rugby league is a permanent one.As we reported last weekend, there has already been interest from the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters.His tight relationship with Bulldogs coach Des Hasler will probably see him end up at Belmore.They won two premierships together at Manly and have remained close ever since.That’s providing the Parramatta Eels board approves his release.Those closest to Foran suggest he wanted to take the rest of this year off to get his life sorted.Arthur wanted him to be at training every day and at games. They couldn’t reach an agreement on his rehab program and so it ended like it did.You feel for Arthur because lately he’s been coach, CEO and chairman of the rabble that is the Parramatta Eels — plus dealing with the personal issues of his star playmaker — and a young man he was once very close to.So when the Eels run out to play the Roosters, Foran will not be at Pirtek Stadium.He will no doubt be watching from home. Like the rest of us.Whether he has made the right decision or not only time will tell.Right now his issues with depression are more important than anything else.

Replies

Adam Magrath July 8, 2016 at 4:51pm

Definitely shouldn't be allowed to play for anyone else for the period he was contracted to us. Grounds for some sort of compensation if he says at the start of next season I'm good to go for the dogs.
- Chris > Adam Magrath July 8, 2016 at 5:00pm
  
  We should at least have first and last right on his next contract as a part of any release.
- Thatguy > Adam Magrath July 8, 2016 at 5:04pm
  
  Eff first and last rights. Means squat. If he wants to come back to us he will.
  If he walks out and tries to sign elsewhere then eff him, sit out the rest of your 3.5yr contract and waste your life on the greyhounds.
- eels_brad > Adam Magrath July 8, 2016 at 5:55pm
  
  Only had a 2 year deal, the second 2 years were an option in his favour, not ours
Ray Zammit July 8, 2016 at 5:03pm

Me too!
Adam Magrath July 8, 2016 at 5:16pm

That's true Ron, but everyone goes through tough times in their life and regular people still have to turn up to work tomorrow and do what's expected by their boss.

If Kieran makes this decision to leave the Eels that's far enough, but he needs to understand that there are consequences to the choices he makes. I hope the NRL are showing the club sufficient support in our dealings with players that are threatening to leave when still under contract.
Ed July 8, 2016 at 5:18pm

If the rumours are true he won't be playing for no one
Bear July 8, 2016 at 5:23pm

If true , i would have thought giving him the rest of the year off, was a no brainer. Not sure Brad Arthur and the club, wouldnt have agreed to that
michael picklum July 8, 2016 at 5:35pm

I wish Foran a speedy recovery. If the DT report is correct, just maybe its better for both parties that the Club grants him an immediate release with no strings attached so that least we can all move on.

BA can then plan for a replacement in his 2017 squad.
sturge July 8, 2016 at 5:40pm

Id say this opens the door for hayne to come home foran is busted inside and out a healthy hayne is what will deliver a premiership with corey norman .to us long suffering eels fans