Kieran Foran must front NRL Integrity Unit before he can make comeback

KIERAN Foran’s return to rugby league is far from certain, despite being close to signing a one-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

The Warriors are close to signing Kieran Foran.

KIERAN Foran’s return to rugby league is far from certain, despite being close to signing a one-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

The Daily Telegraph can confirm Foran must front the NRL Integrity Unit to answer a range of questions before officially making a comeback.

It’s understood the Integrity Unit want to quiz the ex-Parramatta five-eighth on his relationship with controversial punter Eddie Hayson.

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This includes an explanation on Foran’s usage of his personal TAB account and allegations linking him with match fixing, which is currently part of an ongoing Crime Commission investigation.

The NRL want to make sure the New Zealand international isn’t implicated in this investigation before they even consider giving him the green light to return.

Kieran Foran must front the NRL Integrity Unit.

On top of dealing with Foran’s links to gambling, the NRL will also gauge his mental state before registering any contract.

It’s understood the playmaker must prove he is mentally ready to handle the expectations required to be a professional rugby league player.

This comes as the NRL confirmed Foran needs approval from the Integrity Unit for any deal with the Warriors to become valid.

“Kieran is not a registered player with the NRL, so the NRL would have to be convinced that he is fit and proper to be a registered player,” an NRL spokesman said.

The Warriors on Monday denied reports Foran was set to sign a deal in the next 24 hours.

Managing Director Jim Doyle said no contract had been tabled to the NRL as the club continues to work through discussions with the 26-year-old.

“We haven’t lodged a contract with the NRL at this point in time; we’ve not got any contract with Kieran at this point in time,” said Doyle.

The Warriors are close to signing Kieran Foran. pic Mark Evans

Despite this, it’s understood the Warriors are closing in on securing Foran’s signature.

The former premiership-winning Sea Eagle has already met with Doyle and toured the club’s facilities at Mt Smart Stadium two weeks ago.

Doyle has also provided personal support for Foran as he deals with a host of issues that forced him to walk away from the game and his multi-million dollar deal with Parramatta in July.

Originally published as Kieran Foran must front NRL Integrity Unit before he can make comeback