Kieran Foran ready to inform Manly teammates he’s leaving club to join Parramatta
Dean Ritchie
The Daily Telegraph
March 16, 2015 12:00AM
AN emotional Kieran Foran is *expected to call his Manly teammates together at 10am Monday to *finally — and formally — reveal he is leaving the club.
The Daily Telegraph understands that Foran’s announcement to Sea Eagles players will then lead to new club Parramatta issuing a press statement on Monday afternoon boasting of his recruitment.
It will end months of speculation and rumour about where Foran will play next season.
Foran agreed to terms with *Parramatta last Thursday, with the four-year contract now secured and official.
Humble and well-mannered, Foran has dreaded having to tell his Manly teammates that he is leaving, especially long-term friends Brett Stewart, Matt Ballin, Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon.
But Monday is D-day. Manly *players are aware he is leaving but haven’t officially been told.
It will be a difficult moment for Foran, who has achieved everything while wearing Manly’s famous colours.
The Daily Telegraph understands Parramatta did not include a clause in the Foran deal stating he could leave should coach Brad *Arthur be sacked.
Foran is an avid fan of Arthur’s coaching ability.
All the additional clauses in the Eels’ deal have been signed off and a public announcement is the final process. Eels members will be told first via an email.
Given he is still contracted to Manly for this year, Foran will not appear at a Parramatta press conference.
It is understood Foran has *already told some members of Manly management of his decision.
Parramatta had wanted to *announce the deal earlier to avoid the ongoing scrutiny and innuendo.
But Foran’s management wasn’t keen on releasing any contract *details before Manly’s game against Melbourne at Brookvale Oval last Saturday night.
Daly Cherry-Evans was criticised for having his contract negotiations played out in public, and for *announcing his decision to move to the Titans straight after Manly’s round one loss.
Manly have until round 13 to try to persuade Foran to renege on the deal. Foran is a man of honour and it’s highly unlikely he would sign with Parramatta and then want the contract torn up.
Parramatta haven’t attracted a gun player to their club in his absolute prime — like Foran is — for years. Anthony Watmough is a marquee player but “Choc” is 31 years old.
Foran is currently out with a hamstring injury.
Parramatta have some more bad news on the injury front. Centre Beau Champion has a knee injury and looks certain to be sidelined for the season.
Winger Semi Radradra also has a knee injury and could be out for up to eight weeks.
Halfback Chris Sandow has an ankle injury but could play in this Saturday’s match against New *Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium.
