![\"Kieran](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/47237075116403c15cff3e826d635cf2f4388517bf0af182a6399863dd3cdf1f.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nNormal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text size<\/p>\n
There is a note of contentment in Kieran Foran\u2019s voice when he is asked to reflect on his illustrious \u2013 and at times, tumultuous \u2013 NRL career, as he prepares to take the field for the 318th and final time.<\/p>\n
But, when the topic shifts to his next career move, one of rugby league\u2019s most fearless warriors becomes impassioned.<\/p>\n
Derailed by injuries \u2013 amounting to 18 surgeries \u2013 and off-field dramas which threatened to end his career, the Gold Coast Titans veteran\u2019s refusal to throw in the towel will remain his greatest legacy.<\/p>\n
However, once the full-time whistle sounds in Saturday\u2019s clash with the Wests Tigers, Foran\u2019s attention will turn to his next responsibility: fostering the club\u2019s next half to spearhead a revival from the doldrums.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people here are some of the most incredible people I\u2019ve met. They really are so determined and driven to bring success to the Gold Coast, and I ride that with them and am on that journey with them,\u201d Foran declares.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a wonderful ride, and I\u2019m excited for the next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Kieran Foran will play for the Gold Coast at home for the last time before retiring.Credit: Gold Coast Titans Media<\/p>\n
While Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell has hinted at recruitment on the horizon<\/a> after a fourth straight year spent dwelling in the NRL cellars, Foran is adamant his heir is already at Parkwood.<\/p>\n Loading<\/p>\n Wallabies 2023 Rugby World Cup five-eighth Carter Gordon will make his NRL debut at centre, having missed most of the year with a spinal issue,<\/a> while teenager Zane Harrison is steadily developing his craft.<\/p>\n Jayden Campbell has also been earmarked as a halfback.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been super-impressed with JC and his growth this year. I think he\u2019s really moulded himself into a No.7, and I think he\u2019s got great aspirations to be the long-term seven for this club,\u201d Foran says.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he can do it. Then Carter Gordon has shown his dedication and determination to come back from where he was at the start of the year.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the sort of guy you want to have in your team. I just love the traits Carter possesses.<\/p>\n \u201cI love his toughness, I love his durability, I love his application and dedication to want to get better and learn this game inside and out. That\u2019s going to hold him in really good stead.\u201d<\/p>\n Foran has the life experience to help nurture the next generation and ensure they do not suffer from the same pitfalls he once did.<\/p>\n His early career struggles have been widely documented: the highs of his premiership triumph at Manly nearly forgotten as addiction and mental health demons nearly forced him away from the game.<\/p>\n Kieran Foran ahead of his final NRL appearance.Credit: Gold Coast Titans Media<\/p>\n \u201cI never felt that I\u2019d truly reached my potential. Each year I\u2019ve pulled apart my game and looked at new areas I could get better at,\u201d Foran reveals, when asked what kept him going.<\/p>\n \u201cI never felt I\u2019d maximised what I\u2019d set out to do. Now I truly do feel like I\u2019ve reached that point.\u201d<\/p>\n Foran now sees Harrison, a former Australian schoolboys representative, as his long-term project.<\/p>\n The Titans have struggled to lock down a long-term halfback since Scott Prince\u2019s days \u2013 Jamal Fogarty, Jahrome Hughes, Toby Sexton and Tanah Boyd all playing finals in rival colours.<\/a><\/p>\n But Foran believes his past and Harrison\u2019s future can help rewrite that narrative.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s got a huge future ahead of him and is a guy who can have a long and illustrious career in the NRL as a playmaker,\u201d Foran says.<\/p>\n \u201cI see a lot of similarities in Zane in terms of his journey straight out of high school and into the NRL world. It can be quite a big step-up and a big challenge, but he really is a guy who takes it all in his stride.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s unfazed by the pressure that comes with it … I think a really significant preseason for him will be really important. He\u2019s certainly smart and classy enough to handle the step-up.<\/p>\n \u201cI can help them through that process from a mental standpoint. That\u2019s what my journey has taught me, how to handle the highs and lows better.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got wonderful experience in that space, and am able to educate and fast-track these guys about what\u2019s around the corner before it hits them in the face.\u201d<\/p>\n Loading<\/p>\n Before that mission, Foran intends to send him and long-time coach Des Hasler out winners.<\/p>\n The 35-year-old also reveals he is eager to represent New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, having amassed 31 Test caps.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d never knock back the opportunity to represent my country, and if [coach] Stacey [Jones] and the Kiwis feel they need me playing then I certainly will make myself available,\u201d Foran admits.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019d be an unbelievable way to finish up. I was a part of it two years ago, and we won, and it was one of the greatest moments of my career.\u201d<\/p>\n If not, Foran\u2019s career will end the same way it started: by Hasler\u2019s side, who will be replaced at the helm by Josh Hannay.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cDes has been one of those coaches throughout my career who has believed in me so much,\u201d Foran says.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was written off and not many people believed there was anything left in me, Des has always believed I\u2019ve got more to give.<\/p>\n \u201cI was talking to my wife Karina last night about how blessed I\u2019ve been. It\u2019s been quite incredible really.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Kieran](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1b987fdc8773326649444507e608ebec0a60789f7a2fd3c6c563e4a867ab243a.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n