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Foran says winning special Kiwi Anzac clash vital for Titans' season

Kieran Foran understands every win is now crucial given the Titans' tough start to the year.

Returning to New Zealand for Thursday's special Anzac Day clash against the Warriors, the veteran Kiwi International knows there's no better occasion to break the duck egg than with triumph against the side he spent a season with in 2017, especially after two improved performances in the past fortnight.

"It was a disappointing loss that one (against the Sea Eagles last Saturday)," Foran said.

"It was heartbreaking because we played reasonably good footy but we're yet to register our first win of the season.

"I think we've been building the last few weeks.

"We've been unfortunate not to have walked away with the win at times, but we've probably come up with some costly plays or errors at certain times that has cost us that.

"We have to eliminate that and take it out of our game and if we do that, I feel we're building well enough to get the win.

"That's our main goal heading into this game against the Warriors.

"We need to start winning and we need to start getting the two point, so that's going to be a major focus for us come Thursday."

Excited to be back at his birthplace after helping New Zealand to a dominant Pacific Championships victory over Australia in his last outing across the ditch, Foran can't wait to return for what is set to be an incredibly humbling experience on Thursday afternoon.

"All the guys are really excited to be here," he said.

"Some of them haven't been here before and others have only been here once or twice.

"A lot of them seem really excited, but it's a great occasion for us on Thursday. It doesn't get any more special than being able to play on Anzac Day.

"It's a huge honour and a privilege, and in front of a sellout crowd at Mount Smart, it will be a wonderful atmosphere."

Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson after Round 23, 2023.
Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson after Round 23, 2023. ©NRL Imagery

Set to face off against his former Kiwi and Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson, the 287-game half is aware how much of a threat he will be, backing the champion playmaker to play on past 2024.

"He's playing great footy Shaun. He's been a central figure for the Warriors the past couple of seasons and seems to be getting better with age which is great," Foran said.

He's playing with wonderful temperament at the moment and doing all that he can.

"I'm sure he's got a few seasons left in him if he wants to, but it's great to see him playing good footy."

Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.