EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould Discloses ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Talks That Nearly Brought Kieran Foran to the Bulldogs’ Coaching Team

Phil Gould, the Bulldogs’ chief, has disclosed that “confidential discussions” were nearly successful in bringing Kieran Foran onto the coaching staff at Belmore, until a pivotal “sliding doors moment” involving the Sea Eagles shifted the course.

Foran concluded his impressive playing career at the end of the last season, boasting over 300 first-grade appearances and 34 Test matches for New Zealand.

Recognised as one of the most formidable and durable playmakers in his era, Foran had begun transitioning towards a media role prior to his retirement.

However, during this week’s episode of Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus, Gould mentioned that he was close to enticing Foran back to Belmore, where he had donned the Bulldogs jersey for 40 matches across three seasons.

“I’m not disclosing any secrets here – I actually had Kieran Foran in for interviews two or three times last year,” said the Bulldogs’ general manager of football.

“Cameron Ciraldo may have bumped into him and he mentioned potentially coming to Sydney for a media role. Cameron is always on the lookout for skilled coaches, and we actually talked about having him on board at the Bulldogs.

“He could have contributed to our academy programmes, assisting our young halves and coaches while working flexible hours. It would have been a low-pressure introduction to coaching, and he would have been able to observe the NRL sessions and see Cameron Ciraldo in action.

“We had several discussions and private meetings. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and suddenly, we read in the papers that he had returned to Manly.”

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Rather than returning to Belmore to enhance his coaching skills, Foran opted to join Anthony Seibold in a more prominent NRL coaching role.

Three games into the current season, Seibold was dismissed, and Foran now finds himself as the head coach of the Sea Eagles, who are struggling to post a win in 2026.

“I doubt he had anticipated the events that have unfolded at Manly, but it truly is a sliding doors moment,” Gould remarked.

“Now, just three rounds in, he finds himself in a significant position of authority.”

“Kieran was an exceptional player who served the game loyally, and I have always held great respect for the way he approached his career. His playing style and the coaching he received highlight the qualities of someone eager to learn and share knowledge, which is why we reached out to him.

“It would have offered him a gentle introduction to coaching at the Bulldogs, benefiting our academy programme, and it was clear he was keen to become a coach.

“The situation at Manly seemed to attract him, and now he finds himself as head coach.”

Foran is set to make his coaching debut on Thursday night against the Dolphins.