Break aids Foran recovery
An extended break between games has been a blessing for Warriors fiveeighth Kieran Foran as he continues to manage a nagging hamstring injury going into their Anzac Day NRL clash against the Melbourne Storm.
Foran’s playing future has been the subject of intense media speculation in the past week but the Kiwi international’s health has been an ongoing concern for the Warriors since he suffered a hamstring strain during the warm-up before the round four loss to St George Illawarra across the Tasman last month.
Despite being less than fully fit, the in-demand playmaker returned after almost a year away from the game to star in consecutive wins over Gold Coast and former club Parramatta before a more subdued outing in last week’s defeat to Canberra.
The 26-year-old took the field with his left leg heavily strapped but was rarely sighted in general play and appeared unable to stretch out on the few occasions he did run the ball.
The Warriors 10-day turnaround has provided some welcome relief before tomorrow’s AAMI Park match against the Storm, with Warriors coach Stephen Kearney confirming Foran’s injury is being carefully managed week to week.
“It is and obviously off the back of a shorter [ six day] turnaround last week, he’s got a bigger turnaround this week so that’s been a bit of a blessing for us,” said Kearney.
“Because of the shorter turnaround, it certainly hasn’t been 100 per cent over the last few weeks.
“So I just think that it probably wasn’t at where he wanted it to be [last week].”
The Warriors head across the Tasman looking to bounce back and upset Melbourne after losing 26-10 when the two sides met in the rainsoaked round two encounter at Mt Smart Stadium.
The visitors are expected to welcome the return of ball-playing frontrower Ben Matulino for his first appearance of the season after an infection prolonged his stint on the sidelines following knee surgery in January.
The off-contract forward has also been in the headlines throughout the past week after being linked to both Wests Tigers and the Newcastle Knights as he considers a future beyond the Warriors.
The 196-game veteran remains a few kilos shy of his ideal playing weight but providing he comes through today’s captain’s run unscathed is likely to play a limited role off the interchange bench.
“We won’t be taking any risks with Ben,” said Kearney. “I’m not going to ask him to play 80 minutes, so with the role that I’ll give him, he’ll be fine if he does play.
“He’s an experienced guy so regardless of where he’s at weight-wise he’s smart enough and experienced enough to get himself around the park and still have an impact.”
Meanwhile, Kearney downplayed concerns over hooker Issac Luke’s fitness after he played just 57 minutes against the Raiders.
“It’s trying to make sure we’re getting the best out of Bully [Luke].
“We were probably stretching him out a bit too far in the couple of weeks previous, so it’s just making sure that we’re maximising his efforts.”
The Warriors will complete their preparations at Mt Smart this morning before travelling to Melbourne later this afternoon.