‘Family’ club right for Foran’s return

Norman in frame for Origin call-up

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters last night revealed he has hauled Corey Norman out of the sin bin and forgiven the Eels star for the issues that threatened his Origin career.

With Johnathan Thurston racing the clock for Origin I, Walters confirmed Norman was in the frame to clinch a Maroons jersey if the North Queensland champion succumbs to a shoulder injury.

Just six months ago, Norman was on the nose with Queensland hierarchy, overlooked for their Emerging Origin squad after a series of off-field dramas at Parramatta.

But with a raft of contenders lining up to replace Thurston, including Michael Morgan, Anthony Milford and Daly Cherry-Evans, Walters said Norman was in the mix for an Origin debut.

“We’ve had some conversations around Corey’s behaviour and for me that’s behind him now,” he said. Win the ultimate Fox League Grand Final Week experience by entering the competition. Share a photo on social media, with the hashtag #QLDERSONLY, and to enter explain why Queensland is better. DES Hasler is adamant Canterbury is the perfect fit for Kieran Foran, declaring his club’s latest high-profile signing will be a “family man at a family club” next season.

Hasler confirmed rugby league’s worst secret at a media conference yesterday – that Foran had signed a three-year deal to reunite with his former coach at the Bulldogs.

Foran thrived under Hasler in their three years together at Manly and the coach believes the Bulldogs have the right support structure for the 26year-old Warriors five-eighth.

“Kieran came back (to Australia) because of family and the Bulldogs have always been a club that harbours family values,” Hasler said.

“When you look at the Bulldogs club, it’s strong and has great stability.

“It’s well-known as being a family club. Kieran wants to be surrounded by good people and he will be here. Our club is known for its values.

“Kieran’s list of priorities have always been about family stability.”

Foran left Parramatta last year due to mental illness but has re-established his life and playing career in New Zealand.