Kieran Foran signs one-year deal with Warriors

CONFIRMED: Kieran Foran has officially decided on his playing future, inking a one-year deal with the Warriors for 2017.

Kieran Foran will join the Warriors in 2017.

KIERAN Foran has signed with the Warriors for the 2017 season on a one-year deal.

The New Zealand club announced the signing of the international playmaker via their website on Thursday afternoon.

The NRL will still need to sign off on the deal.

Foran walked out on Parramatta barely six months in to a long-term contract and has since been in rugby league limbo.

Personal issues led to him walking away from the game and he’s spent the past three months laying low.

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The Warriors were said to be leading the race for his signature and confirmed as much on Thursday.

Canterbury was the other NRL club believed to be in the hunt.

Kieran Foran in action for the Eels. Picture: Mark Evans

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about my future over the last few months,” Foran said.

“Initially footy was the furthest thing from my mind and I needed time away from the game. More recently the desire to play again has completely returned and I’m very keen to make a big contribution next year.

“While I had other options, coming to Auckland emerged as the best decision for me. Being in a new environment was important but I’m also incredibly excited by the potential of the club and the quality roster it has.”

Warriors boss Jim Doyle was thrilled to announce the prize signing.

“I’ve been in touch with Kieran regularly this year to offer support as he has dealt with the well-documented challenges he has been facing,” Doyle said.

“We have worked through the option of coming to Auckland carefully with him. There has been much to consider in creating an environment for Kieran to not only return to football but also to put all the support around him that he needs.”

The NRL responded to the news on Thursday night saying they had not yet received a contract from the Warriors.

A spokesman said any contract will be considered in its merits.

“We need to be convinced that any player is fit and proper to play in the nrl before a contract is registered,” the spokesman said.

Originally published as Kieran Foran signs one-year deal with Warriors