Foran’s mentor urges Eels fans to be kind

THE man overseeing the comeback of Kieran Foran has pleaded with Parramatta fans to show compassion to the Warriors playmaker, declaring he would still be an Eel had his life not spiralled out of control.

Foran will face the blue and golds for the first time since his departure in today’s clash at Mt Smart Stadium. The 26-year-old is likely to receive a hostile reception from travelling Eels fans still upset that he parted company less than a season into a four-year deal.

Foran’s godfather, Don McKinnon, has been guiding his career since late last year. While the main focus is on ensuring the welfare of the Kiwi international, McKinnon is assisting in finding a suitable club for the off-contract star next season.

However, the immediate focus will be on Parramatta after Foran made a successful comeback against the Gold Coast last weekend.

McKinnon, an Auckland-based lawyer, hoped Eels supporters would take into consideration the circumstances surrounding Foran’s exit.

‘‘It was always Kieran’s intention to commit himself totally to Parramatta for the second half of his career,’’ McKinnon said.

‘‘He signed with the Eels in good faith and had every intention of seeing it out, if not for some very serious personal issues that were affecting him at the time.

‘‘He still has a lot of regard for the club and is in contact with many of the players, whom he remains good friends with.

‘‘I can understand supporters would be disappointed with how things played out, but it’s important to understand he did have some big issues to deal with.

‘‘He needed some time away from the game to focus on himself and I hope they take that into account.’’

Foran was tagged as the biggest signing in Parramatta’s history after finalising a mammoth four-year, A$5 million contract. He was promptly handed the captaincy and the famous No7 jersey, but made only nine appearances after succumbing to the pressure, injuries and a raft of off-field dramas.

The premiership-winning half headed across the Tasman for a fresh start and, after being cleared by the NRL’s integrity unit, is back on the field. It has taken only one game back to remind rivals of his value after he steered the Warriors to a win against the Titans.

With the exception of Cooper Cronk, Foran is the most accomplished playmaker on the open market and his next contract could garner him a seven-figure annual salary. Canterbury, Melbourne, Wests Tigers, South Sydney and Brisbane are all expected to

He needed some time away from the game to focus on himself’

watch his progress carefully as they attempt to finalise their halves pairing for 2018 and beyond.

‘‘The plan for Kieran is just to let him focus on his football at present,’’ McKinnon said.

‘‘From a selfish point of view, it would be good for him to be able to play out the season and not have to make a call on his future until then. I realise it would be naive to think that could happen in practice and that it’s an issue that will need to be addressed shortly.

‘‘There is definite interest there but, for now, we just need him to concentrate on Parramatta. The Warriors have been very supportive and we appreciate what they have done. The main focus for Kieran is stability and his family.

‘‘He’s come a long way. I was just with him and he had that glint in his eye again. He’s made a lot of progress, but it’s not to say he still doesn’t have to keep working to stay on top of his [issues].’’ The Sun-Herald