Kieran keen to see Stewart stay
http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news-display/Kieran-keen-to-see-Stewart-stay/54334
Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran says signing a new, long-term deal with the club has been a huge relief and he's hopeful Brett Stewart will soon follow suit.
The star Kiwi wrapped up lengthy negotiations on Saturday night, committing to the club until the end of 2015.
"It's a great weight off the shoulders. It was playing on my mind for the last month or so, so it's nice to put that behind me.
"I tossed and turned on the decision. One day I was set on staying, the other day I was close to going.
"It was a tough decision but I'm glad I've made the right one."
Foran says negotiations were never about money but where he could best develop as a player, making his decision to stay a huge vote of confidence in coach Geoff Toovey.
In the end it was playing group and the team culture that tipped the scales for him.
"I love playing here, I've got a great passion for the club but the playing group that we've got here's a pretty special group and I hope to continue playing here for many years to come."
It's the same camaraderie that Foran hopes will keep fullback Brett Stewart at the Sea Eagles.
The five-eighth says he is keen to carry his combination with the "Prince of Brookvale" into the future.
"Me and Brett are very close," Foran said. "We've been in pretty regular contact throughout the negotiations together.
"Obviously he's a massive part in my game and he feels I'm the same for him.
"So we've been speaking pretty thoroughly about it and I'm hopeful that the club will get something done with him shortly."
Foran's signing punctuated a great weekend for the Sea Eagles, following a big 12-10 win over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
"Great win last Friday," Foran said. "I think the boys played really well.
"We just seemed to get back into the groove a bit, back into the grind, and play the footy that had us win the comp last year.
"I thought it was a good stepping stone last week and hopefully we can continue it."
The victory has Foran excited about returning to the field but his ongoing hamstring injury means his brother Liam will again step into the playmaking role.
Proud as he is to see his brother excelling, Kieran says his return isn't far off.
"At first we didn't think it was that bad," he said.
"But as we've tried to get some more movement on it, it hasn't gone to plan.
"So we've been working hard on it and we're hopeful for next week."