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The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Epitome of courage' - How Foran fought on for 17 years
Kieran Foran has detailed how he defied a broken body and the logic of retirement for years before finally deciding this will be his last season in the NRL. One of rugby league's great survivors, Foran confirmed on Friday he will retire at the end of the season - his 17th - set to finish with close to 315 games to his name. The Gold Coast playmaker will move into a mentoring role with the Titans, while also likely juggling media commitments as part of life after football. Foran's career is one of two halves, after scoring with one of his first touches on debut in 2009 for Manly and winning a premiership two years later. He was one of the best young talents in the game, a tough and hard-running five-eighth who regularly took on the line and defended with little regard for his body. But when he left Manly on a mega four-year deal with Parramatta in 2016, Foran's career and world changed. He battled highly-publicised personal demons, has since opened up about self harm and battled injury after injury that threatened to force him into a medical retirement. Between 2016 and 2020, Foran managed only 66 games across fives season at the Eels, Warriors and Canterbury. Foran, who will turn 35 on Sunday, has previously spoken of privately questioning if he could play on, before a career lifeline arrived from Des Hasler back at Manly in 2021. Five seasons later, he will now finish his career on his own terms. "Over the course of time, there were certain moments of doubt and times where I wasn't sure whether I could keep going or should keep going," Foran said on Friday. "But that inner belief always overrode those doubts. "There's always been an internal belief that I wasn't quite finished and quite done, despite a number of setbacks and surgeries. "I never felt that I'd reached my potential, even all those years ago when I did look like a broken body and a broken soul, I still believed that there was a lot more left." Given the setbacks, it defies logic that Foran will finish his career as the NRL's longest-serving current player. He is also one of 55 members of the 300-game club, and played 31 Tests for New Zealand with wins in the 2014 Four Nations and 2023 Pacific Championship. "I borrowed a phrase from the Maori language ... Te Maia," Hasler said as he sat alongside Foran on Friday. "When translated it means to stand with courage. And doesn't that truly epitomise the man? "To stand with courage both in football and dealing with events in his life off-field. "To stand with courage also means you face consequences. I really think that epitomises him." Foran's relationship with Hasler cannot be understated. The veteran coach gave him his debut him at Manly, signed him to the Bulldogs and offered him the 2021 lifeline at the Sea Eagles. The pair were then reunited on the Gold Coast when Hasler arrived there last year. There is also the potential they could go out together, with questions swirling around Hasler's future. "I came out of high school at 18 and ... I just I held on to every word Dessy said and I still do," Foran said. "I've never seen someone have a desire like Des. Des has a work ethic and and all these incredible traits that I wanted to have myself. "I just felt he really moulded and shaped my game in those early years. I just felt like I owed it to him because of how much he wanted it." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Kieran Foran has detailed how he defied a broken body and the logic of retirement for years before finally deciding this will be his last season in the NRL. One of rugby league's great survivors, Foran confirmed on Friday he will retire at the end of the season - his 17th - set to finish with close to 315 games to his name. The Gold Coast playmaker will move into a mentoring role with the Titans, while also likely juggling media commitments as part of life after football. Foran's career is one of two halves, after scoring with one of his first touches on debut in 2009 for Manly and winning a premiership two years later. He was one of the best young talents in the game, a tough and hard-running five-eighth who regularly took on the line and defended with little regard for his body. But when he left Manly on a mega four-year deal with Parramatta in 2016, Foran's career and world changed. He battled highly-publicised personal demons, has since opened up about self harm and battled injury after injury that threatened to force him into a medical retirement. Between 2016 and 2020, Foran managed only 66 games across fives season at the Eels, Warriors and Canterbury. Foran, who will turn 35 on Sunday, has previously spoken of privately questioning if he could play on, before a career lifeline arrived from Des Hasler back at Manly in 2021. Five seasons later, he will now finish his career on his own terms. "Over the course of time, there were certain moments of doubt and times where I wasn't sure whether I could keep going or should keep going," Foran said on Friday. "But that inner belief always overrode those doubts. "There's always been an internal belief that I wasn't quite finished and quite done, despite a number of setbacks and surgeries. "I never felt that I'd reached my potential, even all those years ago when I did look like a broken body and a broken soul, I still believed that there was a lot more left." Given the setbacks, it defies logic that Foran will finish his career as the NRL's longest-serving current player. He is also one of 55 members of the 300-game club, and played 31 Tests for New Zealand with wins in the 2014 Four Nations and 2023 Pacific Championship. "I borrowed a phrase from the Maori language ... Te Maia," Hasler said as he sat alongside Foran on Friday. "When translated it means to stand with courage. And doesn't that truly epitomise the man? "To stand with courage both in football and dealing with events in his life off-field. "To stand with courage also means you face consequences. I really think that epitomises him." Foran's relationship with Hasler cannot be understated. The veteran coach gave him his debut him at Manly, signed him to the Bulldogs and offered him the 2021 lifeline at the Sea Eagles. The pair were then reunited on the Gold Coast when Hasler arrived there last year. There is also the potential they could go out together, with questions swirling around Hasler's future. "I came out of high school at 18 and ... I just I held on to every word Dessy said and I still do," Foran said. "I've never seen someone have a desire like Des. Des has a work ethic and and all these incredible traits that I wanted to have myself. "I just felt he really moulded and shaped my game in those early years. I just felt like I owed it to him because of how much he wanted it." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Kieran Foran has detailed how he defied a broken body and the logic of retirement for years before finally deciding this will be his last season in the NRL. One of rugby league's great survivors, Foran confirmed on Friday he will retire at the end of the season - his 17th - set to finish with close to 315 games to his name. The Gold Coast playmaker will move into a mentoring role with the Titans, while also likely juggling media commitments as part of life after football. Foran's career is one of two halves, after scoring with one of his first touches on debut in 2009 for Manly and winning a premiership two years later. He was one of the best young talents in the game, a tough and hard-running five-eighth who regularly took on the line and defended with little regard for his body. But when he left Manly on a mega four-year deal with Parramatta in 2016, Foran's career and world changed. He battled highly-publicised personal demons, has since opened up about self harm and battled injury after injury that threatened to force him into a medical retirement. Between 2016 and 2020, Foran managed only 66 games across fives season at the Eels, Warriors and Canterbury. Foran, who will turn 35 on Sunday, has previously spoken of privately questioning if he could play on, before a career lifeline arrived from Des Hasler back at Manly in 2021. Five seasons later, he will now finish his career on his own terms. "Over the course of time, there were certain moments of doubt and times where I wasn't sure whether I could keep going or should keep going," Foran said on Friday. "But that inner belief always overrode those doubts. "There's always been an internal belief that I wasn't quite finished and quite done, despite a number of setbacks and surgeries. "I never felt that I'd reached my potential, even all those years ago when I did look like a broken body and a broken soul, I still believed that there was a lot more left." Given the setbacks, it defies logic that Foran will finish his career as the NRL's longest-serving current player. He is also one of 55 members of the 300-game club, and played 31 Tests for New Zealand with wins in the 2014 Four Nations and 2023 Pacific Championship. "I borrowed a phrase from the Maori language ... Te Maia," Hasler said as he sat alongside Foran on Friday. "When translated it means to stand with courage. And doesn't that truly epitomise the man? "To stand with courage both in football and dealing with events in his life off-field. "To stand with courage also means you face consequences. I really think that epitomises him." Foran's relationship with Hasler cannot be understated. The veteran coach gave him his debut him at Manly, signed him to the Bulldogs and offered him the 2021 lifeline at the Sea Eagles. The pair were then reunited on the Gold Coast when Hasler arrived there last year. There is also the potential they could go out together, with questions swirling around Hasler's future. "I came out of high school at 18 and ... I just I held on to every word Dessy said and I still do," Foran said. "I've never seen someone have a desire like Des. Des has a work ethic and and all these incredible traits that I wanted to have myself. "I just felt he really moulded and shaped my game in those early years. I just felt like I owed it to him because of how much he wanted it." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
NRL's ‘ultimate competitor' calls it quits
NRL veteran Kieran Foran says he wants the Gold Coast Titans to plan for 2026, confirming he'll retire at the end of his 17th season, ending a stellar career that spanned five clubs. Foran, 34, will play his 310th match against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday and, with the club also set to move on coach Des Hasler, said the time was right for him to hang up his boots. 'This is a game I have loved ever since I was a young boy, so coming to the decision was a difficult one … but it's now something that I'm really comfortable with,' Foran said. 'Announcing my retirement now allows the club time to plan for 2026 and it also allows me to start preparing for my future after football. 'I'm still as competitive as ever and every time I pull on the Titans jersey over the next few months, I'm going to be giving everything I've got.' Foran began his NRL career with Manly in 2009 and played 196 games for the club across two stints. He also spent time with the Parramatta Eels (nine games), New Zealand Warriors (17 games), Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (40 games) and the Titans (47 games to date). He also won an NRL premiership as well as Four Nations and Pacific Championships titles with New Zealand, having captained his country. 'I'm most proud of the fact I've been able to live out my dream as a young boy and go on to play 17 seasons in the NRL,' he said. 'The joy that has brought to my family, extended family, friends and fans of our game and the lessons that I've learnt along the way will help me immensely in the next phase of my life.' 'I want to thank all five of the clubs that I've played for over my career. 'I want to pay tribute to the teammates I've had at those clubs and the supporters and fans of each and every one of those clubs that have supported me across my time wearing their club colours. 'From my early teammates to the current group here at the Titans, I've formed lifelong friendships and bonds that I'm forever grateful for.' Foran spent much of his career playing under Hasler, who handed him his debut almost two decades ago, and lauded him as 'one of the NRL's ultimate competitors'. 'His career has been quite a journey which he has had to navigate highs and lows, but what he has achieved over the past 17 seasons truly epitomises his character and perseverance,' Hasler said. 'Since he debuted, his fighting spirit has become legendary and, in his words, he has always been all-in. 'This won't change for the remainder of his final season. 'His story and journey won't be lost to the game when he hangs up the boots and his future in mentoring young men and women will ensure his legacy continues.'
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wales' rugby league youngsters have been making their mark
The U16s, U18s and Students teams all enjoyed success. Clive Griffiths made a welcome return to where it all started for him as a head coach, with Wales Students, coaching them to a 34-10 win over Scotland in the opening match of the Student Four Nations at the University of Nottingham. It was Wales Students' first international win since they returned after the pandemic in 2023, and after losing the last five matches, one with their heaviest ever defeat and two more in the top ten losses, this win, orchestrated almost perfectly from start to finish, was a welcome sight. The win set the standard for what will be a tough week for Wales, which concludes against Ireland on Saturday. Wales scored seven tries in their win, as did England as they beat Ireland 40-18. Lewis Ingram and Thomas Moore grabbed two tries apiece with Finlay Northrop, Lewis Howells and Leo Jones also crossing the whitewash. Wales Students lost out 42-0 to England Students in the Four Nations tournament. Jamie O'Keeffe opened the scoring for England at Nottingham and that was to be the first of nine tries on the day. Leon Stewart soon finished off a sweeping passing move, before Wales enjoyed a brief spell of possession in the England half for the first time in the game. When England re-entered the Welsh half, Ben Bell-Thorn grabbed the next try, converted by Oli Winterbottom. Winterbottom added to his and England's points tally with a try direct from a scrum just five minutes before the interval. Bell-Thorn then powered his way over the line for what turned out to be the last play of a one-sided first half. Wales attacked well at the start of the second half and were unlucky not to score, Lewis Ingram getting close as he was held just short of the line. Ben O'Donnell, Teddy Davidson, Charlie Yeomans and Dan Perry added further England scores. North Wales Crusaders' teenager Evan Rowlands and Salford's Ralf Roberts, who hails from Wrexham, were in the U18s side that beat Scotland 34-20. That means Wales go into a winner-takes-all match against England next month in the final round in a thriller at Grangemouth RUFC. There were less than ten minutes on the clock when Alex Richardson scored a try to give Wales the lead and Kyson Rees added the conversion. Scotland hit back on 15 minutes thanks to a Harrison Goldthorpe try. Shaun Callan converted to level the scores. It wasn't long before Wales regained the lead through an unconverted Rowlands try, but Scotland went into the break 14-10 to the good due to tries from Harry Woodard and Max Erasmus. Unfortunately for Wales, errors were costing them and Scotland capitalised. They increased their lead 10 minutes into the second half through an Isaac Maclean try that Callan converted. But then two back-to-back tries from Wales turned the game around. Firstly from Dan Wilds with Jack Wilcox converting, before he scored a try of his own from kick-off. Gabrielson kicked the goal and Wales were 22-20 up. Then with eight minutes to go, an Ethan Williams try increased Wales' lead to 26-20. Gabrielson couldn't convert so Wales were just one score ahead in the dying stages of the match. Wales sealed the game thanks to an excellent try from Oscar Jones just three minutes from the end, quickly followed up by Richardson's second and Wales' seventh as the final whistle blew. Wales, coached by Paul Berry, are top of the U16 Four Nations table after a 40-18 success over the Scots. Following England's draw with Ireland, a draw against the English in a fortnight will be enough to give Wales their third successive Four Nations title. Elis Thomas (2), Matthew Clatworthy, Evan Williams, Harry Wrigglesworth, Tyler Mills and Charlie Eatly got the tries for Wales.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Insider dismisses Maple Leafs' interest in bringing back Nazem Kadri
Nazem Kadri return to the Toronto Maple Leafs is unlikely (Image via AP) As NHL trade rumors continue to swirl this summer, one nostalgic scenario making the rounds involves Nazem Kadri — the former fan-favorite Toronto Maple Leafs center — making a sensational return to the team that drafted him back in 2009. Kadri, now with the Calgary Flames, is coming off an impressive 35-goal, 67-point season and still plays with the grit and edge that once defined Toronto's second line. Yet, while fans may be dreaming of a fairytale reunion, top NHL insider David Pagnotta doesn't believe it's a realistic scenario. Insiders say a Nazem Kadri return to Toronto Maple Leafs is unlikely 'I think they would entertain it,' David Pagnotta said during a discussion with Nick Alberga. 'I just don't see a fit with Toronto.' Kadri's current contract with Calgary runs through 2029 and is valued at $49 million — a hefty $7 million cap hit per season. While the Leafs recently gained flexibility by trading Mitch Marner, using up that newfound space on a 33-year-old forward nearing the back half of his prime could severely limit other key roster moves. Adding more skepticism to the idea is Calgary GM Craig Conroy's clear stance on keeping the Flames competitive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'If you believe what Craig Conroy, their GM is saying is (true), and that's, they want to stay competitive,' Pagnotta noted, 'Then I don't see it, I don't see a fit that makes sense for both sides.' That's a double blow for Leafs fans who still feel Kadri was moved prematurely in 2019. Spencer Lazary of The Hockey Writers added fuel to the fantasy, saying, 'If Treliving brings him back, he would be able to slot in on the second line, which could push John Tavares to the wing or even to the third-line center.' With new head coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving preaching toughness and a culture shift, Kadri's physical, relentless style checks the right boxes. As Treliving said in May, 'There's some DNA that has to change in our team.' Also Read: NHL's Gary Bettman humiliates NBA's Adam Silver with Four Nations masterstroke that left America hooked Still, until Calgary shows interest in selling — and Toronto confirms a clear fit — the Kadri reunion remains more of a romantic idea than a likely transaction. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL's Gary Bettman humiliates NBA's Adam Silver with Four Nations masterstroke that left America hooked
Gary Bettman's bold move to replace the NHL All-Star Weekend with the Four Nations Face-Off paid off handsomely (Image via AP) In a year packed with All-Star fluff and viral dunk clips, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the most daring call of his tenure—and it paid off in spectacular fashion. Scrapping the traditional NHL All-Star Weekend for a bold, high-stakes Four Nations Face-Off wasn't just a gamble. It was a message. A direct shot at the NBA, its declining midseason format, and Commissioner Adam Silver's lukewarm grip on fans' attention. Gary Bettman humiliates Adam Silver as NHL proves America wants blood, not dunks 'Talk about the state of the sport,' Pat McAfee told Gary Bettman during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, praising the February 2025 event as a cultural pivot. 'It feels like that was a real, like, kickstart to hockey becoming a huge part of Americana.' Bettman didn't dodge. 'There was so much demand for international best-on-best competition,' he said. 'The Four Nations was really important to our players, and you could see how much it meant to them.' While Mac McClung's third Slam Dunk Contest win barely cracked 3.3 million viewers, the NHL's Four Nations final between Team USA and Canada exploded with over 9.3 million U.S. viewers—the biggest non-Olympic hockey broadcast ever. The tournament opener saw a fight nine seconds in. Anthem standoffs went viral. The final saw Connor McDavid net a sudden-death winner. The NBA simply couldn't compete. Even Adam Silver admitted the NBA's All-Star Game has 'grown stale,' while hockey delivered a moment that felt like war for the sweater—not brand deals or social media moments. It wasn't just about numbers. NHL stars returned to their clubs injured because they cared that much. Bettman underscored that point: 'They showed it even after Four Nations was over… based on the number of players that came back to their NHL teams injured.' Also Read: Who is Lanny McDonald? Hockey legend retires as Hall of Fame chairman after a decade of behind-the-scenes brilliance With the NHL headed back to the Olympics in 2026 and the World Cup of Hockey planned for 2028, this wasn't just a one-off—it was a cultural reset. One that exposed how stale and safe American sports can be—and how raw, patriotic, and real hockey still is. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
