Kieran Foran may have called time on his NRL career after 17 seasons, but he has admitted it’ll be very hard to say no to representing his country one more time.

In the mix for New Zealand’s Pacific Championships squad when they face emerging powerhouses Tonga and Samoa next month, the 31-Test star won’t shy away from a Kiwis swansong should he get the chance to pull on the black and white jersey one last time.

Especially after that famous 30-0 victory against the Kangaroos in 2023 which happened to be the last time he wore the Kiwi colours, missing last season’s campaign due to ankle surgery.

“If the opportunity presents itself and they feel I can really add value in that side, then, I’ll jump at it,” Foran told NRL.com.

“Some of the best moments of my career have been playing for the Kiwis and if I was given an opportunity to do that one last time, I would fully immerse myself in it and go after it like no other, because I would have nothing to leave in the tank.

“(Winning the Pacific Championships final in 2023) was phenomenal, I dreamt of winning a game like that against the Kangaroos as a kid.

“People forget when I first came into that international space, I was on the receiving end of quite a number of heavy losses against the Kangaroos and we really struggled to be dominant over them.

“It’s been a battle ever since I came into that space, but it’s been something I’ve been really determined to help build.

“The body’s feeling good enough to certainly squeeze out a few more games … but we’ll just wait and see how the back-end of the season goes.

“I’m sure if Stacey needs me, he’ll reach out.”


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A debut to remember: Kini

Next generation excitement machine Keano Kini is also eager to receive a call from the Kiwis coach, confirming his availability for selection despite missing a majority of the season due to a serious neck injury.

“I’m available… I’m just waiting to hear from Stacey but hopefully I can play for my country,” he told the Titans awards night last Tuesday.

Whilst Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has opted to remain a Kangaroo and will head to England for a reignited Ashes Tour, fellow front rower Moeaki Fotuaika will put his hand up for his country, eyeing off a blockbuster battle against a star-studded Samoa at Suncorp Stadium

“I’d love to play for Tonga. If the opportunity comes up, I’ll be more than happy to put my hand up,” he said.

“Especially playing up against Samoa and New Zealand… I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s good to see both Pacific nations (Tonga and Samoa) emerging. Obviously [Samoa] have Payne (Haas) playing for them now and it’ll be great to play them at Suncorp where there is obviously a large population of Pasifika and Polynesian people.”