There’s nothing better than a good argument about rugby league players and I ran into a doozy at a Four Nations barbecue.
About a dozen of us had gathered for the New Zealand vs Australia decider when someone asked: if Manly could re-sign only one of their halves, would they plump for Daly Cherry-Evans or Kieran Foran?
Well, the debate started mid-afternoon and was still raging long after the Kiwis had run their victory lap.
There were solid reasons pushed for each player and his potential worth to the Sea Eagles. In the end, the see-saw ended up dead level.
I promised to transfer the discussion to The Roar. Our readers get a pretty fair handle on players’ value to their respective teams and after I’ve had my little say, I’d like to hand it over to you.
Foran got my vote in a photo.
He is the best five-eighth in the game and is on the way to a level that could easily see him rated right up with the best we have seen. I realise that is a bold statement when the likes of Wally Lewis, Brett Kenny and Brad Fittler spring to mind, but Kieran Foran seems to get better with every outing.
He appeals to me as the ultimate team player, forever creative and a terrific linkman in attack. In defence he’s as reliable as they come.
He’s nowhere near as flashy as Cherry-Evans but that’s not his style, never has been.
Together, they are a duo Manly are prepared to move mountains to re-sign, but that won’t be easy with rivals queuing up with cheque books at the ready.
Coach Geoff Toovey says no deadline will be set for the dynamic duo’s signatures but it’s a safe bet he’ll sleep a lot better when one or both extend their deals beyond 2015.
Foran was Manly’s most valuable player in 2014. NRL stats show that DCE made more tackles and nudged Foran in the number of metres run, but the Kiwi No 6 was clearly the better of the two, with fewer errors and better decision-making.
He seems ideal to lead the Sea Eagles when Jamie Lyon’s playing days are over.
Anyway, that’s my view on the subject and I’d like to hand it over to the Roarers.
The question again: if Manly could re-sign only one of their halves combination, who should they go for and why?
Haz
Guest
Foran. Apart from all the other reasons above, he is Geoff Toovey reincarnated. Consider: the toughness-to-size ratio, the never-give-up competitiveness. Toovey sees a player in his own mould, and will pick him as captain.
Muzz
Guest
.
Sandow
Guest
Against the Raiders..
Roger Roger
Guest
Foran has actually missed more games in the last few years than DCE. So that comment makes no sense.
Timothy Schuster
Guest
It's the L90
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
That's my point. Hunt has been around for a while now, but has had one good season. Will he have a good seaosn next year? who knows? DCE will.
Renegade
Guest
They are paying Barba what he is worth - $400k. Who are they going to let go?? Absolutely nobody The likes of Heigington, Tupou, etc are on their last contract anyway.... which willl free up even more cap space on top of the million they have in their kitty.
nerval
Guest
You've definitely earned that right Tim, and I salute you for that. I'm just a bit fed up as to how easily and how quickly, sometimes on the basis of very little evidence, some modern day players are puffed up as (1) "great" and (2) potentially among the "greatest of all time." 2 years ago there were authors on the Roar, at least as experienced as yourself, who were convinced of Ben Barba's "greatness." That one brilliant season is likely never to be repeated and Barba will never, I suspect, make either Origin or Kangaroos selection. Foran one day to be on the level of the "immortal" Lewis? And Kenny, Daley, Fittler, Lockyer too? Sorry, I just can't see it.
Jacksyd
Guest
Whats to stop her coming back when his contract is over? This is a job with a short lifespan and knocking back a better financial securement for your family is risky. Besides, could be worse, Melbourne.
tigerdave
Guest
At a Million a year there would be far more casualties with far bigger names and higher profiles. Cronulla get DCE and they will need to let really good players walk out the door. AThye could start by letting Barba go or paying him what he is worth.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Paulie, thanks for your well put comment. Foran doesn't kick or even try for 40/20s as that is DCE's forte. Kicking is not his go. Doesn't have to be.
Tim Prentice
Expert
I believe Foran is the best five-eighth. In my mind, JT is a halfback stationed a fraction wider.
Tim Prentice
Expert
The onus is on you The Eye! Let's see a column from you. Seriously.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Very well said, TB. Great analogy with ET.
Tim Prentice
Expert
What's the number of that bus, Midfielder? I wanna get on ...
Tim Prentice
Expert
Nerval, in my opinion Foran is the goods. Still only young, he has only scratched the surface as a top class five-eighth. I have been around a while and have probably earned the right to make an assessment or two. I think carefully before I write. Not always the case with some who comment on this site.
Paulie
Guest
Foran comes off as a tough, reliable and fairly consistent player. But his long kicking game is fairly non existent, not many/if any 40/20's and field goals over his career from memory. But DCE is someone who comes up with the big plays, takes a bigger defensive load and has natural FLAIR to go with it. In saying that, they compliment eachother. And even with DCE rep duties this year/any year, he's played more or equal games over every season than Foran from the start. I'd be more inclined to give up a 'tough' half than a half who turns games on their head. Get some tough forwards for the mongrel lost in Foran. Hopefully they spend their careers together.
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
I hope whomever leaves Manly goes to the Gold Coast... That club desperately needs a play maker. Pls go for one of them GC- you don't need another back rower- trust me!
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
Mitchell pierce
"Bowled Shane"
Guest
Is she on contract somewhere? She sounds hard @s- saints could probably do with her to bolster the middle.