Sin Bin: Parramatta Eels hope to welcome back Kieran Foran for Storm clash
Date
May 14, 2016 - 6:40PM
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says Kieran Foran is a strong chance of making his much-anticipated comeback next week.
The Eels have given Foran plenty of space to deal with his personal issues and won't be pressuring him to make a quick return. However, the Parramatta captain has been keeping his fitness up during his sabbatical and a return against Melbourne next Monday is a distinct possibility.
There was even talk of Foran coming back for Friday night's clash with South Sydney, although the club and those looking after the Kiwi international's welfare erred on the side of caution.
"We were hopeful that he may have been available [on Friday], but the priority is his health," Arthur told Sin Bin.
"When they say he is ready to go, we'll take him straight back in. We're hopeful it could be next weekend. His health is very important to us and the good thing, from the conversations I've had with him, is that he's in a very strong place.
"He's got a lot of clarity about what he wants to do and that's maybe an indication football is the best thing for him."
The Eels need to beat the Storm to keep their slim finals hopes alive, knowing they can only drop two games for the rest of the year if they are to progress to the play-offs. Foran's presence would provide a massive boost to a club that has gone through so much during the salary cap scandal, including the loss of hooker Nathan Peats, to become salary cap compliant.
"[Foran's teammates] will love it, he's our leader, but there's no pressure from them either, it's about what is best for him," Arthur said.
