'He's been outstanding': Hasler in awe of Foran's upcoming feat
It will be a full circle moment for Kieran Foran when he makes his 300th NRL appearance on Sunday against the Dragons.
Debuting under the very coach that continues to mentor him some 16 seasons later, the bond the 34-year-old has with Des Hasler is unique and unbreakable.
"His career has been outstanding," he said of Foran's upcoming milestone.
"300 games for any player to back up in their career is monumental.
"The way he plays, it’s wholehearted and he puts it all out there all the time. It’s a very special place the 300 (club) and I couldn’t’ be happier for Kieran and his family.
"It’s been quite a journey for him so it’s great that he gets to celebrate the milestone in his career."
It's fair to say the pair never would have imagined to be dynamic duo celebrating the milestone together on the Gold Coast, but they haven't lost sight of what's in front of them in what will be an important clash against the Dragons on Sunday, eager to put behind them the disappointment of their last showing against the Sharks.
"We were really disappointed, and the players were really disappointed with their performance across the park," Hasler said.
"Mainly from a defensive point of view where we’ve been so strong. We’ve had a good talk about it and they have had a good talk about it.
"Upon reflection and review, they realised it wasn’t a performance typical of what they wanted our Titans to be projected to be.
"All we can do is put it behind us now at this stage of the season."
With both teams on the cusp of the eight and battling for one of those final spots to play past the first week of September, Hasler knows his side has to win all their remaining four games to be in the best possible situation.
"They are probably at least four or five sides there vying for that eighth position," he explained.
"Some sides have got to win two games, some sides have got to win all four and we probably fall into that category.
"But it’s great motivation that Kieran Foran celebrates his 300th this week. That’s pretty special occasion for the young man and there's plenty of positives going into this week."
