Veteran Manly halfback Kieran Foran says he is prepared to continue playing for “at least two more years” after enjoying a strong 2021 season.
After stints at the Eels, Warriors and Bulldogs, Foran returned to the Sea Eagles last season, the place where he made his name as one of the NRL’s up and coming young stars between 2009 and 2015.
The 31-year-old made 25 appearances for the Sea Eagles in his return season, two shy of his career-best run in 2013, a stunning turnaround after a litany of injuries threatened to bring his once-bright career to an abrupt end. His efforts resulted in Manly tabling a fresh two-year deal last July.
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Despite being one of the team’s seasoned campaigners, Foran is now looking to play well into his 30s after having the back end of his 20s ruined by injuries.
“I’d like to think I’ve got a couple more in me after this season,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It wasn’t too long ago that I thought I’d be out of the game at 28, 29 with all the injuries I’ve had.
“I’m 31 at the moment, 32 midway through this year. I’m not sure you can look at it and say those injuries and time away extended [my career], but what it did do is transform my mentality around my training and how I look after myself.
“I like to see a positive in everything and I see the positive in those few really tough years I had with injuries.
“Physically I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt. Everything I’ve gone through physically with my body, I feel I have a great understanding of what I have to do to prepare each week and for each season. I know how to look after myself and how to maintain it.”
Foran was restricted to just 40 games in a three-season stint with the Bulldogs and admitted that his career was “very close” to being ended during that period.
“You can’t hide from the fact I had four or five years that were incredibly tough physically and mentally,” he said.
“There were certainly times through my years at Canterbury where I wasn’t sure if I would get another opportunity, that it would be it for me.
“It was incredibly tough at the time to not be out on the field. In a way, I guess you feel quite helpless and not contributing the way you’d like to.”
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