New Zealand international and Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker Kieran Foran has ruled out retirement, despite being ruled out for the 2020 NRL season with an injury.
Earlier this month, Foran injured his shoulder in the sixth minute of the opening match against the Great Britain Lions at Eden Park, his first test for New Zealand in more than two years.
On Tuesday, the 29-year-old underwent reconstructive surgery, which revealed "new and additional damage" that wasn't detected during the MRI scan. Foran will need more surgery this month, with the rehabilitation period estimated at 9-12 months.
But Foran is refusing to hang up his boots and is determined to get back out on the field.
"Giving up for me at this stage is not an option. Until it's taken from me and I've got no option, but to give up, then I will give up.
"You would probably have to take me off in a wheelchair for that to happen.
"I'm not going to roll over lightly, that's for sure - I'm strong in my beliefs. I believe I still have good footy in me and I believe I can still compete at this level.
"Until I have no option, but to walk away, I'm going to keep fighting my way back."
Foran has battled shoulder, hamstring, back and quad injuries, which have seen him play 26 NRL games over the past two seasons.
The playmaker said he was frustrated, as it had been five years since he felt this good.
"My body just hasn't been able to consistently turn out, week in and week out. That's been the most frustrating thing personally and from the club's point of view as well.
"I can understand people are disappointed, but no-one is more disappointed in the situation than myself. The most frustrating thing is my body has never felt so good.
"I can honestly say, heading into that test match for New Zealand, I've not been in that good a shape since 24 or 25. I just couldn't believe my luck.
"My strength, my fitness, everything was right - it shocked the hell out of me. That's the hardest thing with all of this, I've never felt better physically.
"But my shoulder didn't hold up and you say to yourself, 'Geez, what's bloody happening with it?'"
Foran's Bulldogs contract expires after the 2020 season and he hopes to return to the field to show he can still compete in the NRL.
"Hopefully, I can get back out there and not injure it again.
"I would be aiming to get back, best [case] probably late July, early August. That's the very best case."
The Bulldogs will apply for salary-cap relief, as Foran is expected to miss the entire 2020 season, but as his injury occurred during a test match, Canterbury are only eligible to receive $350,000
"The priority for us is Kieran's welfare," Canterbury chief executive Andrew Hill told The Daily Telegraph. "But I find it very difficult to accept that he left our club in a very healthy state for a test match and comes back unable to play, possibly for 12 months.
"We will be talking to the NRL about getting the best and fairest salary-cap outcome."
