Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur named Tim Mannah and Kieran Foran to Captain the Blue and Gold in 2016 at this morning’s 2016 Season Launch.
Foran was appointed Team Captain of Parramatta in front of the guests at the season launch, which included the Parramatta Board of Directors, Club Patrons, NRL and NSWRL officials, commercial partners, Parramatta Councillors and the NRL playing squad, and hosted by Eels ambassador, Andy Raymond.
The honour of Team Captain came as a shock to Foran.
“I didn’t see it coming,” new recruit Foran said.
“I came here with the intention of wanting to train hard and let my footy do the talking, to really buy into the culture that the boys have built here and what Brad was doing. I just wanted to take it day by day and really get my body in the best shape possible through the pre-season.”
“At first I was a little hesitant, of course, because I am a big admirer of Timmy Mannah. I think he has done a tremendous job over the years since taking over from Nathan Hindmarsh and he is such a respected bloke.”
“But Timmy and I had a chat and spoke to one another and we are just excited to be able to do it together. Neither one of us is more dominant than the other.”
After being told by Arthur of the appointment earlier in the week about the role, Foran gave further insight into how he and Mannah would share the duties.
“I really respect Brad as a guy and as a coach. He just said to me that it would be really good for my game, a direction he wanted to go in and I can be out on the field for the full 80 minutes with the boys, calling the shots, and he feels it’s best for the club and the players.” Foran said.
“I guess I am on the field for 80 minutes, where Timmy will probably play about 50 minutes a game,” Foran added.
“He can really help me drive everything once the game is over and away from the game.”
The Eels will enter the 2016 season with plenty of expectations and pressure, and Foran said he was looking forward to the challenge, starting with this weekend’s contest.
“There is a lot of pressure and that is why I am going to see it as a challenge,” Foran said.
“It is a step by step process and all we are focused on at the moment is getting that hit out against Penrith on the weekend.“
“We feel we have put in all the hard yards during the preseason, got ourselves in the best shape possible to have a strong season. If we can go out there and start the season well, we will give ourselves every opportunity of being there come September.” Foran added.
