Young gun Ryan Foran has revealed his first year as a full-time Titan was a big 'reality check' as the former Australian Schoolboy returns to pre-season training reinvigorated to make his mark in the NRL.
Joining Gold Coast's top 30 roster in 2024 after serving a transition year as a full-time train-and-triallist at Parkwood, the 20-year-old was expecting to continue his dream run after sharing in success at school with Palm Beach Currumbin, leading to his junior green and gold selection at the end of 2021.
But it was the polar opposite for the fledgling forward, relegated to the Hastings Deering Colts for a majority of the season in what he believes will be a career-defining season that delivered the hard truths of what it takes to be professional footballer.
"It was a tough year getting to only play the one Cup game, but in Colts I was trying to perfect my craft, be a leader when I went back there and enjoy my footy," Foran admitted to titans.com.au.
"I think in parts of the year I was really good at that and did well, but then obviously there were parts of the year where I wasn't at my best, so hopefully this year I can pick the consistency up and hopefully play a few more Cup games.
"Training up here (at Parkwood) and then gone back to 20s was a learning curve that I needed to experience.
"Coming out of school, I thought I was the top dog and was flying coming here, but then to have to go and play 20s... it was something I needed to experience.
"This is the real world now... this is our full-time job for us and you've got to accept it.
"It was definitely a bit of kick up the arse and hopefully this year I'll be better for it."
Reflecting on his tough year of learnings in a NRL system, the Future Titans alum isn't bitter at all at the situation which he feels has set him up for his elevation to the main squad, as he aims to play more Cup games in 2024 in a bid to earn a first grade call-up.
"The good thing is I know what to expect and last year was definitely a good taste," Foran said.
"You can't hide... you've got to be on everyday at every field session and every gym session.
"You've got to be working hard. If you're slacking off, you'll get found out.
"Dessie has been really good with that... there's been a couple of little sprays already, but he definitely knows his stuff and he's in behind you when you're doing your drills and constantly giving us little tips on the run and motivating us which is much needed in pre-season when it gets tough."
Also helping Foran achieve his NRL dream is fellow back-rower Beau Fermor, who has been a great mentor for the rising star in continuing to perfect his craft on the edge.
The Murwillimbah junior has also had his 'older brother' constantly in his corner to help him develop on the field.
"Beau has he's been good for me, especially being off with his knee," Foran said.
"He always offered to do video together and watch clips together... even when we're doing drills, he just likes to give me little tips and he's been really good, but even the older boys have been great too.
"Older Foz has been huge for me to help me on my game because obviously halves and back-rowers work together.
"He's been giving me heaps of tips so I can be better which has been huge."
Although there's no relation between the two, there is a hope the Foran to Foran combination is seen in the NRL soon.
"It'd definitely be good... I think I'd get hammered for being the little Foran, but it would be pretty cool," he said.
"There's no relation, but I'm sure if we played in the NRL together, we'd tell everyone we're related for the week."
