Kieran Foran isn’t the flashiest player in the NRL — but he is a gamechanger for Parramatta, writes Matthew Johns
NO playmaker plays straighter or is braver than Kieran Foran.
It was a few seasons back and Manly were playing the Gold Coast Titans. Foran took the ball and attacked the defence in his usual direct manner. Kieran plays so straight, he exposes himself to any defender who decides he wants to embed his shoulder into Foran’s chest.
On this particular afternoon Titans strongman Sam Tagataese decides Foran’s going to get it.
He doesn’t miss — as Kieran rotates his upper body to offload the short ball, Tagataese ferociously unloads with the type of shot that will feature in any “Big Hit “ highlight reel for the next 10 years.
Just because Foran’s granite tough, doesn’t mean he’s immune to hurt.
Foran’s on his backside, wincing. The ball goes left and only a play or two later it’s back in the midfield.
Kieran’s back on his feet, slightly wobbly and once again calls the ball, and once again runs at the Titans’ defence, gun barrel straight. It’s an instant replay. Again Tagataese lays him out.
This went on all afternoon but by the end of the 80 minutes it was Tagataese and his fellow Titans defenders who were getting off the ground the slowest.
After the match they tell me Foran was damaged and passed blood, but there was no fuss, no whinging, nor any inkling from the No.6 that he had done anything particularly special.
The real tough guys of our sport, both past and present, don’t see themselves as tough. It’s just what they do.
John Sattler chaired from the field with a broken jaw after the 1970 Grand Final.
Geoff Toovey would never hesitate in putting his head among flying boots in an effort to get that loose ball.
In 1989 Chris Mortimer didn’t think twice about grabbing a pair of pliers and pulling out a pin in his hand which was keeping his thumb in place, so he could take the field in the Panthers’ semi final against the Tigers.
Shane Webcke was never going to miss the Broncos’ 2000 decider against the Roosters, even though he had a badly broken arm.
In 2001 Canberra Raiders legend Jason Croker played the second half of a victory with a ruptured ACL in one leg and torn ankle ligaments in the other. The Canberra medical team was in disbelief when learning the extent of Croker’s injuries — it’s a wonder he could walk, let alone play a half of football.
And of course the three famous moments of courage by men in cardinal and myrtle.
In 1955 ‘The Little Master’ Clive Churchill kicking a winning sideline conversion with two school textbooks being used as a splint for the arm he broke during the match.
John Sattler braving a smashed jaw to lead Souths to victory in the 1970 grand final, and of course Sam Burgess, not letting a fractured cheekbone, suffered in the first hit up of the game, stop him from inspiring the Rabbitohs to their first premiership in 43 years, and collecting the Clive Churchill Medal in the process.
A broken arm didn’t stop Shane Webcke in the 2000 decider.
In Foran’s first game in the Parramatta jersey last week he made all the difference. He was a long way from 100 per cent fit but his experience and cool head had a huge effect on the Eels attack.
In round one, with Foran in the stands, Parramatta were too sideways, lacked composure at the end of sets and naturally struggled for direction.
Last Saturday night however the Eels, led by Foran, were far more composed and deliberate in everything they did. For mine there were a couple of key moments.
In the sixth minute, with Parramatta on the attack and playing at a fast tempo, they were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks.
The Eels players were excited, up on their toes, and hooker Nathan Peats took the ball, looking to take a quick tap.
Foran at this point walked forward, took the ball from Peats, shook his head and pointed to the sticks; “We’ll take the two”. That’s experience and a cool head.
In the 61st minute, Parramatta led 16-10 but were starting to get nervous. They’d dominated the contest but the Cowboys were managing to stay in the game and were starting to find their rhythm.
In previous seasons this is exactly the type of game Parramatta have found a way to lose.
Foran however, took control and called a very simple pre-orchestrated play which resulted in Brad Takarangi scoring a vital try.
Foran has brought real leadership to Parramatta.
It was a composed piece of football by a player who is used to winning tight games.
Foran’s performance wasn’t one filled with special moments or flashy plays, but it was exactly what Brad Arthur is after from his main man in 2016.
Again, it’s worth mentioning Foran did this all with a left hamstring which was a long way from 100 per cent.
In Foran, Parramatta haven’t signed a player with the brilliance and pure class of Johnathan Thurston. Nor is he a player who has the athletic gifts of Shaun Johnson.
But as I’ve stated in the past, if I was strapped to a post and asked to select an individual to play to save my life, I’d pick Foran because I know he’d die trying.
They tell me Foran is no certainty to play, and a decision will be made on that problem hamstring a few hours before the match.
If Foran plays Parra win — if he’s out, it’s the Dogs!
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