Zane Harrison may have huge admiration for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran, but that will be parked to the side when the Sea Eagles come to town on Sunday.
The 20-year-old is aiming to upset the decorated 318-game star's return to Cbus Super Stadium - the former Titan's first game back at his old stomping ground since retiring as a player at the end of 2025.
This time however, Foran will be sitting in the opposition coaching box at the helm of Manly - with Harrison aiming to take what he learnt from his 18-month stint as his protégé to help Gold Coast spoil any chance of a homecoming hurrah.
"He was an old fella when I was coming in, but his leadership, his toughness and his competitiveness [is what I took away the most]. He's got that never say die attitude," he said.
"It was good getting a year under him and the experience and leadership he shows is something I try and take into my game now.
"It was disappointing he left but that's the chapter he's gone with and he's been successful in that at the moment.
"At the end of the day, you want to win games for your club, for your fans and for your family so he's a legend but we're chasing a win at home this week."
Match: Titans v Sea Eagles
Round 20 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
9th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Sunday will be Harrison's eighth game in the top grade after debuting in Round 10, adjusting to the rollercoaster ride that is the NRL.
Revealing he's earned the respect and support from not only his peers but his opposition as well, the only thing that's caught him by surprise over the last eight weeks has been the speed of the game.
"Obviously there's ups and downs but as a young half, I expected that," Harrison said.
"I've been pretty comfortable in the role and am grateful for every moment.
"That's been my game growing up as a speciality halfback that likes to guide a team around. I'm pretty much doing the same for a NRL team which is cool to think.
"I've been pretty confident and comfortable with my ability to do that."
'Foz is a legend but we're chasing the win this week': Harrison
The NSW Origin prospect - who recently helped the Blues with preparations for Game III -forms part of one of the youngest but most exciting spines in the NRL; together with Keano Kini and Jayden Campbell - the relationship with the latter helping him flourish in the early stages of his career in their bid for sustained success.
"We talk everyday about what we want from each other," Harrison said.
"My job is to unlock the likes of JC and Keano to let them run free and play their natural game.
"Our combination as a whole spine has been really positive and I think we're building towards something pretty special."
