Kieran Foran has been awarded the Ken Stephen Medal, delivering an emotional speech about mental health and the importance of having “raw and real conversations”.
The Titans veteran, in his final NRL season, has been recognised for his efforts off the field, having become an advocate for young men’s mental health.
Foran launched Logan’s Legacy during his time on the Gold Coast, an organisation founded in memory of his stepson who tragically took his own life in 2023.
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“I’d like to particularly recognise my wife Karina. Logan’s birthday, he would have been 22 today,” he said.
“Your love, strength and belief to keep going in tough times has been and will continue to be my shining life.
“Due to the challenges we’ve faced as a family, an area very close to my heart is mental health.
“I know I’m in a privliged position to have a voice and I found that being open about my own journey, not just the successes but in particular the struggles has helped others to realise they are not alone.”
Alongside his work on men’s mental health, Foran has also spent countless hours visiting young patients after forging a strong connection with the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
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Foran has in the past been open about his own struggles with mental health and addiction, hoping to help break the stigmas surrounding both topics.
“As important as it’s been to share my own story, listening to the stories of others has been incredibly empowering and uplifting,” he said.
“I know the courage it takes first-hand to reach out and say I’m not OK and it’s those deep, raw and real conversations that remind me why connection truly counts.
“If being vulnerable about my journey has helped just one person to make a choice, to keep moving forward and to keep throwing themselves into the uncomfortable than my struggles have not been in vain.”
The 17-season NRL veteran has played for his country and passed the 300-game milestone in 2025, hanging up the boots at the end of this season.
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Titans chairman Dennis Watt praised the veteran playmaker in a touching tribute in a club statement.
“Kieran is an exemplary human being and the ultimate role model – not only for our playing group, but for the wider rugby league community,” Watt said.
“His leadership, humility and willingness to give back embodies everything this award represents.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact he has made on and off the field, and while he has now hung up the boots, I have no doubt he’ll continue to be an inspiration in our community as he enters the next phase of his career.”
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