Foran is not ready yet, says Johnson

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson says Kieran Foran is well on the way to returning to his best but is not across the line just yet.

Almost four months since the Warriors announced Foran’s oneyear deal, the Auckland-born playmaker’s contract has yet to be registered by the NRL as they seek assurances over his mental health and that he no longer has contact with Australian gambler Eddie Hayson.

That has not prevented from Foran from training with the club as he continues his recovery from a serious shoulder injury.

And Johnson says being immersed in the playing environment has worked wonders for his Kiwis halves partner.

‘‘He’s coming along really well. I’ve just been so happy to see him really start thinking about footy again,’’ Johnson said.

‘‘He’s working really hard on recovering from that shoulder injury he sustained last year and just to see him with a smile on his face and enjoying being around the boys and not thinking about too much else other than footy and getting himself better, it’s really cool to be a part of that process.’’

But asked if Foran was ready to return, Johnson added: ‘‘Not right now. I think he’s got a bit of work to do mentally and physically.

‘‘I just see him every day showing up and putting in the work and everything’s leading towards that one goal of getting back on the footy field and starting over again.’’

Despite the delay, the Warriors have remained confident throughout the process with the NRL’s Integrity Unity that Foran’s contract will be registered.

With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning from injury alongside Johnson and Issac Luke, his addition would give new coach Stephen Kearney the Kiwis’ firstchoice spine and one of the best quartets in the competition.

Johnson and Foran have struck up a strong combination from their time in the national side, where the latter’s organisation and direct running game allow Johnson the freedom to pick his moments on attack. ’’If it all pans out like that and we can get everyone on the field at the same time, I don’t think I’ll ever play with a group, or definitely a spine, like that again,’’ Johnson said.

‘‘That’s something me and ‘Foz’ have actually spoken about a few times over the years; imagine if we could play club footy together and then you fill in those gaps with Issac and Roger.

‘‘It’s crazy to think what we can do.’’

Johnson returned to training last week following his off-season break, his first taste of life at Mt Smart under Kearney.

Kearney has not shied away from laying down the law but Johnson says his strength lies in the way he delivers his message.

‘‘He’s a pretty measured guy and He's got a bit of work to do mentally and physically. he knows how to speak to people in the correct way to get the best out of them.

‘‘In the position the club’s ended up in over the last few years it’s pretty clear that things aren’t right or something’s missing.

‘‘He’s come in with a fresh outlook and made it pretty clear what he expects of us.

‘‘You see the response way the boys train and they’re getting ready season.’’

The Warriors’ pre-season action kicks off with the NRL Auckland Nines on February 4-5 with Johnson, like the rest of the squad, eager to make up for the disappointment of losing last year’s final to the Eels.

And Kearney’s no-nonsense approach can be seen in their preparation for the Eden Park tournament.

‘‘Mooks (Kearney) made it very clear for us that if our January is compromised where we’re missing sessions or anything like that we won’t be available for selection,’’ Johnson said. ’’As players we can’t argue with that.’’ with the the way for the