Broncos link a surprise to Foran
Kieran Foran’s godfather and legal representative Don Mckinnon says there’s no truth to the stories the five-eighth is looking to move to the Broncos.
The Nine Network in Australia has reported that Foran’s management has been contacted several times about a switch to the Brisbane-based club next season.
The Courier Mail also reported that Foran is keen on being mentored by coaching legend Wayne Bennett and that he’d be the perfect replacement for Ben Hunt, who is moving to the Dragons in 2018.
However, Mckinnon rubbished both stories, saying Foran doesn’t have a manager and that he hasn’t had any thoughts yet about next year.
‘‘I read the stories online this morning, they were a surprise to me,’’ Mckinnon said. ’’I spoke to Kieran and they were equally a surprise to him.
‘‘Kieran doesn’t have a management team representing him at the moment, so the stories are clearly incorrect in that regard.
‘‘In terms of contracts for next year, his view, which I very much support, is that it’s far too early to be worrying about that.
‘‘He has to get on the field for the Warriors and to make a success of his playing time with the Warriors, that’s his sole focus at the moment.
‘‘While I’d imagine there are clubs potentially looking at him for next year, he’s not in discussions with any of them.’’
There have previously been stories that the Rabbitohs want Foran for 2018 and given the quality and profile of him as a player, he’ll no doubt be linked to several other clubs throughout his current one-year deal with the Warriors.
At the moment though Mckinnon says Foran is not interested in having conversations with any other clubs.
‘‘From Kieran’s perspective, firstly he has to get on the field and secondly he has a whole lot of personal circumstances, including a young family in Sydney which will come into consideration later in the year,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s just way too soon now.’’ Foran is expected to play his first game for the Warriors on March 17, against the Bulldogs in Dunedin.
Mckinnon says Foran is continuing to work towards the goal of being ready for that fixture.
‘‘He’s incredibly excited,’’ Mckinnon said. ’’He needs to keep working on his shoulder - that’s an ongoing strength issue for him but he can’t wait.
‘‘He’s been enjoying his time and the Warriors are happy with the professionalism he’s bringing to his training.’’
While Foran is currently officially representing himself, he will need to have a NRL accredited agent when he signs a contract for next season, but Mckinnon says they’re not in any rush to appoint one.
‘‘It could be something he looks at later in the year, when he starts thinking about his next contract.
‘‘But it’s one step at a time and he wants to start delivering on the field. That’s his only focus at the moment.’’