Just one big happy family in NZ for Foran
Controversial Warriors recruit Kieran Foran says his return to New Zealand has been a much needed ‘‘breath of fresh air’’ for his troubled career.
The former Manly and Parramatta star was last week finally cleared to play in the NRL after his messy exit from the Eels in 2016 where he was embroiled in personal issues.
For Foran, it’s a huge boost in his career, a point he emphasised at the Warriors season launch in Auckland yesterday.
‘‘It’s been great, it’s a breath of fresh air really. I needed it,’’ Foran, 26, said of the move across the Tasman to rekindle his game.
‘‘It’s great to get out of Sydney and just come home around extended family and just get back to my roots and just being around big love and just start fresh at a new club.’’
Foran has played 30 tests for New Zealand but it is the first time he has lived in the country of his birth since moving to Australia as a nineyear-old.
He has enjoyed the Kiwi feel to the club and says he has settled into his new environment well in a talented squad.
‘‘It’s been brilliant. The boys have made me feel welcome from the getgo,’’ he said.
‘‘Obviously all Kiwis are like that, it’s just one big family and it’s no different at the Warriors. I knew a few of the boys from the Kiwis and I got to know everyone really quick.’’
Foran won’t be available until round three and must undergo a final psychological assessment before taking the playing field.
He is also on the comeback trail from a season-ending shoulder injury he suffered while playing for the Eels last May, but he is confident he will be ready to go against the Bulldogs in Dunedin.
‘‘I’ll just keep working on my body and getting myself as fit and strong as possible so that I’m ready for when I take the field, that’s what you do here,’’ Foran added.
‘‘I’m excited about watching the boys play the first couple of rounds and hopefully getting myself right to be available for selection.’’
"I’ll just keep working on my body and getting myself as fit and strong as possible so that I’m ready for when I take the field." Kieran Foran