Foran: ‘It’s about making smart decisions’

“I was a gambling addict,” he said.

“I had been for most of my career. I’ve never bet on rugby league but I’ve bet big money on horses and greyhounds. From my second or third year of first grade, I knew that my gambling was out of control. Something had to give.”

Foran was determined to resurrect himself as a better man and dad to young children Jordan, 1, and Emerson, 3.

“Making the decision to come to New Zealand wasn’t easy because I’ve got two beautiful kids I love to death.

“But I knew I could make a decision to come here and change for the rest of my life, for my kids, and finally be the father I know I can be to them.

“And the proof is in how I’m feeling and my lifestyle. I don’t gamble. I haven’t gambled in 41⁄ months.”

Foran’s downfall stunned the league world. Until his problems became public he had a reputation as one of the game’s good guys.

Foran says on-field success helped disguise his issues. “Rugby league can mask what’s really going on in your life. If you can play football well enough on the weekend everyone assumes your life is great but the reality is that’s not always the case.”

Foran was caught up in a matchfixing controversy, but after a lengthy probe by the NRL was cleared of any wrongdoing before his one-year contract with the Warriors was finally approved last month.

“For me now it’s about making smart decisions. Every day I wake up I say to myself: ‘Today, be a better man and make better decisions.’

“I believe I’m a good person that made some bad decisions and poor choices.”