Kieran Foran may have signed off on his 17-season NRL journey, but the Kiwi stalwart has left the door wide open for one final hurrah on the international stage. With New Zealand’s Pacific Championships campaign against Tonga and Samoa on the horizon, the 31-Test playmaker has revealed he would not hesitate if coach Stacey Jones came calling.
Speaking to NRL.com, Foran made it clear that pulling on the Kiwis jersey again would mean everything.
“If the opportunity presents itself and they feel I can really add value in that side, then, I’ll jump at it,” he said. “Some of the best moments of my career have been playing for the Kiwis, and if I was given an opportunity to do that one last time, I would fully immerse myself in it and go after it like no other, because I would have nothing to leave in the tank.”
MORE: Which players are leaving the Canberra Raiders?
Memories of Kangaroo conquest
Foran’s last appearance in Kiwi colours came during the unforgettable 30-0 demolition of Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships final, a result he still describes as “phenomenal”. Having endured heavy defeats to the Kangaroos early in his Test career, the veteran believes his generation’s persistence finally tipped the balance.
MORE: Every NRL club's Player of the Year and award winners
“It’s been a battle ever since I came into that space, but it’s been something I’ve been really determined to help build,” he reflected.
Now, as the Pacific heavyweights gather again, the 34-year-old concedes his body has enough left in it for a farewell cameo. “The body’s feeling good enough to certainly squeeze out a few more games… I’m sure if Stacey needs me, he’ll reach out.”