Vodafone Warriors managing director Jim Doyle and playmaker Kieran Foran said they were both excited the Kiwi international’s NRL contract had been registered for the 2017 season.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg today announced Foran will be able to resume his career this season although he added the 26-year-old wouldn’t be able to play until the club’s third-round match against Canterbury-Bankstown at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday, March 17 (8.00pm).
It means he will miss the Vodafone Warriors’ back-to-back season-opening games at Mount Smart Stadium against Newcastle (Sunday, March 5) and Melbourne (Friday, March 10).
Doyle said Foran had made significant progress since joining the Vodafone Warriors last year and added the club is continuing to provide internal and external support.
“Naturally we are keen to see Kieran back on the field as soon as possible but we have always highlighted that the most important thing is to ensure Kieran is mentally and physically ready for the demands of the NRL,” said Doyle.
“We have seen Kieran’s progress over the last few months and we are confident he will be ready for round three.
“Kieran has already become an integral part of our squad off the field and his team-mates will be thrilled to see him back on the field.”
Foran said he was delighted that his contract had been registered.
“Naturally I would love to return in round one because I love rugby league and I love being part of the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.
“But both the club and NRL have put my welfare first throughout so I am just happy that my contract is registered and I now have a date for my return.”
Greenberg said Foran’s return in the third round would be subject to a further psychological assessment to ensure he is in the right frame of mind to play in the NRL.
Greenberg and Doyle said they had worked closely over the last four months on a rehabilitation programme to help Foran overcome the problems which saw him drop out of the game last year.
“I have always said that my priority is ensuring Kieran’s wellbeing – and his football career is secondary,” said Greenberg.
“The expert advice we recently received indicates that Kieran’s recovery has reached the point where he is physically and mentally fit to return to rugby league.
“Consequently, we have today registered his contract to play with the Warriors in 2017.
“However, we want to be doubly sure that Kieran is in the right state of mind and have therefore decided to defer his return to the NRL until round three so a further psychological assessment can be made.
“Kieran will only be allowed to play again in the NRL if that assessment is positive. Conditions will also be placed on his contract relating to integrity matters following the investigation into his gambling associations last year.”
KIERAN FORAN
Date of Birth: July 13, 1990
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Clubs: Ellerslie Eagles, Asquith Magpies
Position: Standoff/halfback
Height: 180cm
Weight: 90kg
Rep Honours: 20 Tests for Kiwis (2009-2015), NRL All Stars (2013 & 2015)
NRL Debut: Manly v Canberra, Brookvale Oval, June 21, 2009 (Round 15)
NRL Career: 156 appearances (2009-2016)
Manly: 147 appearances (2009-2015)
Parramatta: 9 appearances (2016)
NRL Points: 148 points (35 tries, 4 goals)
