Kieran Foran future: Bulldogs favourites to sign troubled NRL star

KIERAN Foran’s career is far from over, with the troubled NRL star already in informal talks with the Canterbury Bulldogs over his future.

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KIERAN Foran’s career is far from over, with the troubled NRL star already in informal talks with the Canterbury Bulldogs over his future.

Foran on Friday walked out on his $5 million contract at the Eels as the champion five-eighth takes an indefinite break from the game.

And if Foran chooses to play football again, the NRL’s Integrity Unit said he would be hauled in to head office to face a litany of off-field issues that led to a breach notice and other serious contractual indiscretions at Parramatta.

Kieran Foran has walked out on the Parramatta Eels. Picture: Jenny Evans

The investigating officer in charge of integrity at the NRL, Karyn Murphy, told The Saturday Telegraph that she would expect Foran and his manager, George Mimis, to confront the serious issues that have been raised by several different parties against him.

The Saturday Telegraph has learned that Foran has been strongly advised by a senior rugby league figure and one former coach to resume his playing career at Canterbury, where Foran’s former mentor, Des Hasler, coaches.

There are some doubts about the reaction of the Canterbury board — known to take a hard line on player discipline — to the possibility of Foran joining the club.

Mimis manages Foran and Hasler, who is also in negotiations with the Bulldogs about extending his contract until the end of 2019. The ex-Manly coach has faced some internal boardroom pressure to win a title at Belmore and is desperate to deliver.

A fully-fit Foran would significantly boost Hasler’s premiership chances, while also securing his future at Canterbury. Additionally, it’s understood the Bulldogs are weighing up the long-term prospects of five-eighth Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds’ contract doesn’t expire until the end of 2017, but the playmaker has been linked to an early release. This could open the door for Foran, depending on his mental state and NRL approval to play. The former Eels skipper has been told he must go through a formal rehabilitation process which involves his full-time presence, unlike the one Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce underwent in Thailand.

“It is apparent to everyone that the rehab regime imposed on Foran was not that effective,” a senior rugby league ­figure said.

“The last time Foran was successful in rugby league was under Des Hasler at Manly.

“He knew how to handle him and that’s where he should be.

“I’ve had that conversation with him this week and it is no coincidence that today’s announcement has been made. There will be no coming and going from clinics. It will have to be a definitive process run by the club and the coach only.”

Kieran Foran’s NRL season was cut short by a shoulder injury. Picture: Brett Costello

Foran’s mental health issues run deep and have led to erratic behaviour for some months. Parramatta insiders have told The Saturday Telegraph that there were several instances when Foran has not been entirely honest with them about his whereabouts or his treatment.

Foran was handed a breach ­notice for failing to attend injury rehab sessions. He was spotted at a pub in Brisbane with his brother Liam and former brothel owner Eddie Hayson. He was also seen at the Breakers Country Club at Wamberal with Hayson. Hayson has admitted he has known Foran for more than a decade.

Foran has been in and out of his northern beaches home where his partner, Rebecca Pope, lives with their two children.

The Saturday Telegraph understands he moved home briefly two weeks ago but is now spending most of his time with Hayson, which close advisers have told him he should stop if he wants to play league again.