Game’s speed is ‘epic’: Foran

Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran says the “epic” pace of the NRL that has him “constantly blowing” makes it harder to manage himself through games.

Foran’s assessment comes as the RLPA is closely monitoring the speed of matches and the impact on injures and concussion and may push for change.

The game’s ramped-up speed has sparked an increased run of injuries, including season-ending setbacks and head knocks.

Several NRL stars have expressed their concern that league officials are putting entertainment before player safety.

Kieran Foran says the speed of the game has reached unprecedented levels. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

Foran understands why ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has made the rule changes in a bid to improve the on-field product but says the speed of the game has reached unprecedented levels.

“It is an epic pace really,” said Foran, whose Sea Eagles benefited from the game’s fast pace to beat the Gold Coast 36-0 courtesy of a Tom Trbojevic masterclass.

“You think back to even five years ago and you could manage your way through periods of the game and get your breath back by kicking the ball out to touch to slow the game down.

“But you can’t do that now – there is just no room for it.

“It is fast, and you are constantly blowing.

“Look, they’ve made those changes for the right reasons and wanting to make the game more entertaining.

“I believe they’ve done that, but there is no denying it is played at a rapid pace.”

Foran celebrates with Manly teammate Jason Saab after he scored a try against the Gold Coast Titans in Mudgee. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Foran can’t definitively attribute the game’s speed to more injuries, although he concedes it is playing a role.

He can’t see the NRL changing their stance on the rules like “six again” and the tap instead of a scrum from kicks that find touch anytime soon, so he has urged players to improve their fitness and embrace.

“It is a hard one,” he said.

“I was reading something the other day where it said there has been no more injuries than previous seasons.

“I don’t know that you can put injuries completely down to the speed of the game.

“It isn’t my field of expertise to decide on that one, but what I can say as a player out there you notice the speed of the game is far faster and you’ve just got to adapt to it and get on with it.

“You’ve got to be able to train your body to keep up with it and the demands that are placed on you because it doesn’t look like it is slowing down anytime soon.

“There is just no wrestle anymore and no real ability to slow the ruck down.

“Now it is just the way it is, and the game is constantly rolling.”

Source: Read Full Article