St George Illawarra Dragons hoping to lure Kieran Foran before he completes Warriors move

WHAT’S THE BUZZ I: First it was Josh Dugan, then Russell Packer. Now St George Illawarra a looking to reform another troubled NRL star.

ST GEORGE Illawarra have become experts in reforming troubled footballers.

The two most obvious examples are Blues State of Origin fullback Josh Dugan and front-rower Russell Packer, who walked out of jail to undergo rehab and reform at the Dragons.

Now it’s Kieran Foran’s turn.

Russell Packer found a new start with the Dragons. Picture Gregg Porteous.

The former Manly Sea Eagles and Parramatta Eels star has all but agreed to join the New Zealand Warriors for 2017.

There is a contract prepared and ready to be signed. But he is wavering about leaving the country and his two young children.

It’s why he met the full board of the Canterbury Bulldogs last Wednesday to consider an offer from the Bulldogs, who desperately need a creative playmaker.

It is also why Foran will meet with the Dragons hierarchy in the next few days.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor told me: “I think everyone knows I’m looking for a halfback to replace Benji (Marshall).

“As for Kieran, who wouldn’t be interested if he was keen and we could get him cleared to play.”

It would be a surprise of Foran didn’t join the Warriors.

The Dragons feel that by giving Foran the opportunity to base himself in Wollongong it will be beneficial to him getting his life sorted outside of football.

Apart from Foran, there are few top halves available next season. The following season the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Adam Reynolds, Ash Taylor, Shaun Johnson and Ben Hunt are off contract.

But McGregor can’t wait that long. He needs someone straight away. He needs Foran as much as Foran needs him.

Originally published as St George Illawarra Dragons hoping to lure Kieran Foran before he completes Warriors move