Titans plot shock move for Manly veteran Kieran Foran, while Dolphins keep tabs on Daine Laurie

The Gold Coast Titans are lining up a shock swoop for Manly star Kieran Foran, while the Dolphins could turn their attention to Tigers fullback Daine Laurie.

According to the Courier Mail, the Titans are looking to strengthen their spine and consider the veteran playmaker the ideal candidate. 

Foran, who turns 32 in July, will be out of contract at the end of the season and he is understood to have attracted interest from at least another two NRL clubs.

The Gold Coast Titans are considering a shock move for Manly’s playmaker Kieran Foran

A 22-Test veteran for New Zealand, Foran helped Manly reach the Grand Final in 2011 and 2013 – winning the former against the Warriors and losing the latter against the Roosters – before moving to Parramatta in 2016.

His solitary season with the Eels was far from successful, as were a one-season spell with the Warriors in 2017 and his following three years with the Bulldogs.

After returning to Brookvale Oval last year, however, Foran has looked rejuvenated and played a key role in the Sea Eagles reaching the preliminary final.

Foran played 25 games after returning to Manly last season after five years and helped the Sea Eagles finish in the top four and reach the preliminary final 

The Sea Eagles may struggle to keep Foran after investing heavily in new deals for star fullback Tom Trbojevic (left) and captain Daly Cherry-Evans

Manly have invested heavily in a new deal for captain Daly Cherry-Evans, reigning Dally M Medallist Tom Trbojevic and his brother Jake, which leaves them in a tight spot from a salary cap standpoint.

Given Foran’s next contract will likely be his last in the NRL, the five-eight may be tempted to cash in elsewhere rather than accept at pay cut at Manly.

The Sea Eagles could have a ready-made replacement for Foran in the shape of Josh Schuster, who allegedly wants to play at five-eight. Manly coach Des Hasler dismissed the suggestion last week, but conceded the youngster could switch position in the future.

The Titans are crying out for an experience playmaker after their decision to release former co-captain James Fogarty in the off-season has backfired. 

Titans’ 21-year-old halfback Toby Sexton has struggled to impose himself this season 

Daine Laurie has emerged as the latest target in the Dolphins’ quest to land a marquee player

Following the veteran’s departure for Canberra, Toby Sexton has struggled to impose himself at halfback and Foran, a veteran of 246 NRL games, could help mentoring the 21-year-old.

Meanwhile, Laurie has emerged as the latest candidate in the Dolphins’ quest to land a marquee signing, according to Triple M’s Dave Riccio.

The NRL newcomers have missed out on a number of high-profile targets in their bid to sign a superstar for their inaugural season and are now keeping tabs on the Tigers full-back.

The 22-year-old has scored seven tries in 28 games since making his NRL debut in 2020 and is yet to receive an offer for a contract extension from Wests. Should the Tigers not table a proposal or sign him to a new deal over the next six months, he will hit the open market on November 1.