For a read of the complete article go here, which I recommend reading in total.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/07/04/million-dollar-maybe-big-money-deals-made-no-cents/
Its actually not a bad read especially as the focus is not on Foran, but it makes a fair amount of sense, especially the conclusion or Verdict.
Kieran Foran
Foran looked better on paper than Times New Roman. Here was a young, good looking, prodigiously talented leader who made headlines on the field and avoided them off it. The contract negotiations with Parramatta consisted of the Eels yelling at Foran to shut up and take their money. And take it he did, signing a four-year, $4.6 million dollar mega deal which made him one of the highest earners in the sport.
For that kind of scratch, the Eels were expecting a massive uplift in the quality of their on-field product and most importantly, improved results. So have Parramatta got value for money? The short answer is no.
Focusing purely on Foran’s on-field performance, his debut season for the Eels has been an injury-riddled mess.
At best, he could be described as a poor man’s Tim Smith. In a little under nine games, Foran accounted for a total of 5 try assists, 2 line breaks and a single try. In other words, an off-night for Johnathan Thurston.
While Foran did provide a little gumption to a Parramatta defence which has historically had the backbone of an earthworm, he certainly didn’t deliver the kind of impact the Eels were hoping for, particularly at $133k per game.
There’s no doubt that the magnitude and frequency of Foran’s off-field distractions have hampered his performance on the paddock. The Eels have stood by their marquee signing throughout the turmoil, but even the peanuts in the Parramatta boardroom have their limits. By stripping Foran of the captaincy, the club has flagged their expectations going forward.
Because rugby league ability aside, a major reason the Eels invested so heavily in Foran was his marketability. Parramatta is desperate to compete for corporate dollars with TPA magnets like the Roosters and Broncos.
Having a cleanskin poster boy like Foran as the face of the franchise was seen as a major step towards evening up the playing field. But in light of recent events, no company in their right mind would bet their brand on a player carrying more baggage than a hotel porter.
As reports continue to emerge around Foran’s predilection for the punt, misuse of prescription medication and links to underworld characters, questions must be raised as to whether the Eels did their due diligence before signing the Kiwi superstar. If nothing else, Foran will serve as a warning for other clubs to make sure they have all the facts before handing out blank cheques.
Replies
Ouch this article is blaming the Board and Brad. We paid overs everyone knows we paid overs. But the tide is turning with Foran, the boys can play with him now and compete and Foran is now the player looking like he may get pushed aside if he cannot get hist shit together. I am still not convinced he has a season ending shoulder injury but I have no proof of it either.
Will there be more Foran dirt before the season is out.
Zip, There's a lot to come out still I think, & while I am not sure but somewhere along the line, my suspicion is that BA has been blindsided by certain elements in the club. Let's not forget that we were going to get Taylor as coach also that DA had applied for the position, & except for Sharpe & his push we now have BA as coach. To me I am wondering how many of the board were really behind having BA appointed.
Its quite possible that Sharpe may have only got just enough support to swing the deal, remembering it was at the last minute appointment, with JT basically stumbling at the finish line, by a stumbling board agreement. There has been some mention in past blogs here regarding BA's appointment & what support criteria he received, likewise the appointment of DA as the head of football operations was perhaps a part of that, remembering he wanted to be the head coach as well. Did he smart that BA was a last minute appointment meaning he was likely 3rd preference after JT missing out?
ROI . . . . . Return On Investment.
In this instance Parramatta's Return On Investment is woeful.
The ball's in Foran's court now, he has the support and tools to get to where he needs to be. He can either man up and do what's required on a number of fronts or he can kiss his career goodbye.
If he doesn't turn this all around, he will officially be the biggest dud buy in the history of the NRL.No pressure Foz.
I would love nothing more than for him to make this his team...
Me too mate - he has the ability to get us a comp.
It's up to him now though.
All in all a pretty fair summation but ouch it hurts. I think BA has done a great job with the boys but realistically he of all people in Parra must have had some idea of Foran's situation. Foran's problem isn't a case of instant coffee & there must have been some indicators present of his problem whilst he was playing at the Brookvale, & surely any reasonable rapport between BA & Choc last year would have highlighted any ongoing problem with any prospective ex Manly recruit.
Hi ME, even if u r correct it still has cost us a lot of money for very little return. So far $1.2M for 7 games plus any payout associated with his hypothetical departure.
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