Foran did not wish to formally talk terms with potential suitors until he had decided where he wanted to play his football, out of a mark of respect to incumbent club Manly. The biggest factor in the 24 year old's deliberations was deciding which club would best develop him as a player. Having spent time with Brad Arthur at Brookvale, Foran decided the Eels coach was the man to help raise his game to the next level. Canterbury, the Warriors and the Roosters were also prepared to open their chequebooks but never got the chance.

Switching colours: Kieran Foran in Manly’s superhero strip last year. He is set to be wearing blue and gold more often in 2016. Credit:Getty Images

Sea Eagles halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans has played out his negotiations in public, but Foran has taken a low-key approach to ensure minimum disruption to the club which handed him his NRL debut back in 2009. While money was not his top priority, Foran will be well compensated for his move out west. The Eels have put together a package that will ensure he makes more than a million per season once endorsements are factored in. The departure of Hayne, who is poised to sign with an NFL franchise in coming days, has freed up funds for a superstar the Eels feel they can build a team around. While Arthur is yet to name his skipper for his 2015 campaign, Foran is viewed as the long-term skipper following his arrival in 2015.

Foran's signature will only add further spice to the blockbuster round one clash between old rivals Manly and Parramatta at Pirtek Stadium. The are already plenty of former Sea Eagles in the Eels ranks including Arthur, Watmough, Hopoate, Darcy Lussick and Richie Fa'aoso, but Foran's addition will ensure the tensions between the clubs escalate to 1980s levels. The news comes as the Sea Eagles prepare for their season launch on Thursday.

Watmough played a pivotal role in the signing coup, regularly communicating to Foran his thoughts about the talent and stability in the Eels squad.