In the sombre aftermath of Canterbury's 18-17 semi-final victory at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, Manly's Kiwi international five-eighth opened up on the emotional toll this fractious campaign had taken on one of the competition's marquee players.

The 24-year-old stopped short of guaranteeing his long-term future on Sydney's northern beaches following a year where accusations of discord among the senior playing group – and the controversial departure of veteran Glenn Stewart – overshadowed Manly's exploits on the field.

"With the year that we've had and the shit that's been going on – it hasn't all been smooth sailing ... I think we showed once we cross that white line everyone gets in there for one another and we play out hearts out for one another."

Foran confirmed  Manly chief executive David Perry and coach Geoff Toovey were aware of his conflicting emotions.

"I'm a bit all over the joint in terms of my future," he said. "One day I get up and I think it'd be brilliant to stay here for the rest of my career, the next day I get up and think, 'Aw shit, maybe I should have a change'."

The club's willingness to let Stewart join South Sydney next season was a particularly bitter blow for Foran, while fellow stalwarts Anthony Watmough and Steve Matai have also been linked with moves to Parramatta and the Warriors.

"The 'Gifty' (Stewart) situation was quite close to my heart because I'm very good mates with Gift. I didn't want to see him go, but the club had to do what it had to do. I've got some tough times ahead of me to think about what I want to do. "I am making no promises just yet. I think that now's the time for everyone to get away and clear their heads. Have that individual time to think about what they want, and how best to resolve the problems that we had this year."