THE ball is squarely back in Kieran Foran’s court, with the Sea Eagles hoping the attraction of taking his game to the highest level is enough enticement to secure him on a long-term deal.

The talented youngster, his mum and manager met with Manly management at Narrabeen this week.

The Manly Daily understands an attractive deal of up to four years remains on the table for the teenager.

Foran, who presents terrific utility value for the Sea Eagles, is likely to start the 2010 NRL season in Matt Orford’s No.7 jumper.

But before the 19-year-old can concentrate on his on-field exploits, his immediate future in the game needs settling.

Manly CEO Graham Lowe held talks with Foran this week and remains hopeful the club can secure him on a long-term deal.

And the former New Zealand coach believes the lure of developing his game under Des Hasler will keep the youngster at Brookvale.

“He’s been given some compelling reasons as to why he should stay,” Lowe said on Thursday.

“I think that Des has got the ability to deliver him to a new level of his career, and I’m sure Kieran recognises that.

“Most of the process has been completed, it’s just a matter of Kieran having a think about what he wants to do.

“I’d like to think we’d be optimistic that he will want to stay here.

“The ball’s in his court.”

Lowe said while there is no time limit hanging over Foran, a decision is required soon.

“Kieran’s under no pressure,” Lowe said.

“It’s certainly something that we don’t want hanging around, we’ve got to be thinking of the future.

“He’s been working through it and talking with Des on a regular basis and we have played a strong card to keep him.

“It’s been made as clear as possible that he’s only just at the start of what could be a fantastic career.

“It’s up to him, at some stage, you’ve just got to sit back and let the player decide.”

OneEyedEagle said the following on Thu Feb 4 4:59 2010

Unfortunately Ryan I feel loyalty has been long gone, dead and buried once the super league grubs took over the game.... I am all for the players trying to earn as much as they can but I would like to also see some loyalty also come back into the game, players and administration.

Rambo1987 said the following on Thu Feb 4 4:56 2010

Quote: author=Ryan He has no loyalties to any particular demographic (although he was from the Central Coast originally I believe). That's why I always rate true local juniors as more reliable clubmen long term, and is why I'm so disappointed Cuthbo went to The Sharks. He is NZ junior - lived North Shore - family now live Eastern Suburbs.

Ryan said the following on Thu Feb 4 4:34 2010

He has no loyalties to any particular demographic (although he was from the Central Coast originally I believe). That's why I always rate true local juniors as more reliable clubmen long term, and is why I'm so disappointed Cuthbo went to The Sharks.

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