Final destination: Kiwis desperate to extend Foran farewell tour
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The New Zealand Kiwis are determined to ensure the Kieran Foran farewell tour has one more stop before the veteran halfback hangs up the boots.
The playmaker will retire at the end of the Pacific Championships, with Sunday's clash with Tonga potentially the last game of a decorated 16-year career.
The Kiwis are determined to ensure that's not the case and a win or a loss by less than 17 points will secure a place in next week's Cup final against Samoa.
New Zealand Kiwis named for must-win clash with Tonga XIII
Such a result would give Foran a chance to retire with a trophy in hand and his teammates are desperate to send the 35-year-old out on top.
"He's a veteran and a very proud Kiwi so we're lucky to just have him in this space," teammate Jamayne Isaako told marvelbet365.com. "Last year we had him here in a different role, he was more coaching rather than playing.
"This year playing with him on the right edge, he brings so much experience and confidence to the playing group.
"These are special games for Foz, given it's the last time he's going to play in a Kiwis jumper. We want to send him off on a high note, given how much he means not only to this country but to the black jumper and the service he's put in for the Kiwis.
"I have no doubt that he'll be geeing himself up about playing at Eden Park, where we don't get too many opportunities to play. It's a big game for not only us as Kiwis but for Foz."
Match: Kiwis v Tonga XIII
Round 3 -
home Team
Kiwis
2nd Position
away Team
Tonga XIII
3rd Position
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Such is Foran's longevity, many members of the current Kiwis squad grew up idolising the playmaker.
The halfback made his NRL debut in 2009, going on to win a premiership with the Sea Eagles in 2011. In total, he played in 318 games in a decorated 16-year career.
Foran's impact on New Zealand rugby league has been just as big after he broke into the Test team as a teenager in 2009.
Since then, he has played at two World Cups, led the Kiwis to Four Nations glory in 2014 and the Pacific Championships title in 2023. He has inspired countless children in New Zealand along the way.
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Hooker Phoenix Crossland was among the group to grow up watching Foran play and he's determined to learn as much as possible off the veteran during their time in camp together.
"Not to make him feel old but I remember watching Foz when I was a kid," Crossland said. "He was one of my favourite players growing up. I came through playing in halves so I watched a lot of him at Manly.
"It was the same last year with [Shaun Johnson], you just pinch yourself that you're sitting down having coffee with these legends and talking about life - it’s pretty cool.
"I've already learned a lot off him, it’s pretty special."
Foran's upcoming retirement marks the second-straight year New Zealand will say farewell to a favourite son at the conclusion of the Pacific Championships.
Last year it was Johnson, who experienced a bittersweet exit from the game.
The Kiwis were disappointed to fall short of the Pacific Cup final, but they sent Johnson out on a high with a commanding victory over Papua New Guinea in the promotion-relegation game.
Shaun Johnson had quite the final game
The stakes are higher this year, with New Zealand only getting the chance to play at CommBank Stadium next weekend if they qualify for the final.
Isaako said it was special to be part of Johnson's retirement match last season and is desperate to ensure Foran experiences a similar send off this year.
"These are the players who have served our game for a long time," Isaako said. "Foz has been a great servant to not only our country but to this black jumper.
"For us to repay him, it would be nice to send him off on a high. We didn't get to play in the final last year but having SJ in the camp and being able to send him off on a high with that game against the Kumuls was one of the highlights of my international career.
"Being able to get that w and see SJ finish his international career on a high was special. Hopefully we can get there this year for Foz and send him off on a good note too."
