NRL set to prevent Kieran Foran’s return at Warriors for start of 2017 season

KIERAN Foran’s hopes of being cleared to play for the Warriors in round one appear slim, with the NRL hesitant to give him the green light to return.

Kieran Foran sweats it out in the gym recently with Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.

KIERAN Foran’s hopes of being cleared to play for the New Zealand Warriors in round one appear slim, with the NRL hesitant to give the controversial five-eighth the green light to return.

It is understood Foran has made some headway with the game’s governing body since signalling his intentions to come back to league with the Auckland-based club.

However, it is believed the NRL has some reservations about Foran fulfilling all the commitments he was told to complete before he was allowed to play again.

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The Warriors had been hopeful of sorting Foran’s clearance out before the new year, but chief executive Jim Doyle conceded this was unlikely.

“We are still working with the NRL,” Doyle said. “That’s progressing well.

Kieran Foran’s NRL return looks set to be delayed.

“That’ll take a bit of time as we’ve always said it would do. Kieran is working continuously through some of the personal issues his had.

“Every day, every week, every month he is getting better. He is heading in the right direction.

“We would anticipate that taking place next year. That process is ongoing.”

Kieran Foran sweats it out in the gym recently with Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.

Barring a hiccup, Foran will be cleared to return to the NRL at some stage next year. But it is growing increasingly likely he will be forced to watch at least the first Warriors match against Newcastle from the sidelines.

He is also continuing his rehabilitation from a serious shoulder injury.