Foran set to miss Dunedin

SYDNEY: Kieran Foran admits lack of contact training on his surgicallyrepaired shoulder is likely to scupper a newlysanctioned NRL return against Canterbury on Friday.

The controversial Warriors recruit has been given the green light by the NRL integrity unit to return to the field in round three, as previously scheduled, after satisfying it he has dealt sufficiently with his offfield problems.

After passing a final psychological assessment, the Kiwis playmaker’s contract was rubberstamped, leaving him free to face former mentor Des Hasler’s Bulldogs in Dunedin on Friday.

It follows a monthslong probe by the integrity unit which combed through his bank and betting accounts.

But Foran doubts he will be physically ready by then and thinks he will likely have to look to the clash against St George Illawarra in Sydney the follow ing round or a home clash with Gold Coast a week later.

‘‘The shoulder’s been coming along OK,’’ Foran said.

‘‘I’ve got a big couple of weeks coming up with it, start doing contact.

‘‘I’m hopeful of playing in the next couple of weeks. It probably won’t be round three’’

Warriors boss Jim Doyle set a similar time frame, but certainly expected him back before what should be an emotional round six clash against Parramatta, the club he walked away from last year when his personal issues came to a head.

‘‘The anticipation was always around round threeish,’’ Doyle said of Foran’s return.

‘‘He’s still hopeful for next week but it’s looking more likely to be round four but round five at the latest.

Foran has not played since suffering a torn bicep tendon in round 12 last year while playing for Parramatta.