Foran returns as rising star explains Hasler's effect
Kieran Foran is back from a biceps tear off the bench for Gold Coast and just has to get through two tough training sessions to play his first NRL game of the season.
The 34-year-old's impending return against Canberra away on Sunday has lifted the entire squad as they face external pressure around their own performances and coach Des Hasler.
Last week's stunning 24-20 win over Newcastle, after trailing 20-0, was a sign the players are backing their coach.
It emerged last week that Hasler had a clause in his three-year deal that allowed the club to part ways with him if the Titans don't make finals in 2025.
Rookie fullback Jaylan De Groot, 22, is growing in confidence each week and had a strong performance against the Knights. He was thrust into the role in round four after New Zealand international Keano Kini sustained a long-term neck injury.
Foran's return in the No.14 jersey will likely see him play a utility role like he did at the 2022 World Cup and in the 2023 Pacific Championships for the Kiwis, unless Hasler decides to reshuffle the spine and slot him into the halves where he has played for most of his stellar career.
The 2011 title winner has training sessions on Wednesday and Friday to get through but he is on track to play.
"It's a massive boost having Foz back," De Groot said.
"The experience he has is second to none. When he leads you around on the field and talks to you it definitely makes your game easier.
"The boys have come together well. We had gone through a tough patch with (five) losses in a row and turned it around with a win. Hopefully we can go back-to-back against a tough Raiders side."
De Groot said speculation about Hasler's future had not impacted the playing group as he outlined why the coach had been a great support.
"We all love Des as a coach. Our focus is to get the wins and not so much on the media stuff around it. We all back Des," he said.
"When I first came in I was nervous but having a coach like Des back you takes those nerves away. "We do video sessions with defensive reads that I can get better at. Having him in my corner definitely helps a lot.
"The more games I play the more confidence I have to back my ability to make the right plays."
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