Hamstring concern for Foz
Kieran Foran's much-anticipated Parramatta debut may be put on hold, with the marquee signing struggling to overcome hamstring problems in time for the NRL season opener against Brisbane.
The focus was expected to be on Foran when the Eels open the season against the Broncos on Thursday night. However, the Kiwi international is experiencing a recurrence of the hamstring problems that have plagued his career and is no certainty for the Pirtek Stadium blockbuster. Foran will be given until just before kick-off to prove his fitness but his teammates are resigned to being without him.
Fellow new recruit Michael Jennings. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
The premiership-winning half has been hailed as one of the biggest signings in Parramatta's history and is part of a new-look team that also includes new recruits Michael Jennings, Beau Scott, Michael Gordon and Clint Gutherson. The clash with the grand finalists was expected to provide an indication of how well coach Brad Arthur's new-look side has gelled in the off season.
News of Foran's potential omission is likely to have a marked effect on betting markets, with Brisbane expected to firm in favouritism.
Back-up halves Mitch Cornish and Luke Kelly will come into contention should Foran be a late scratching.
Foran comes into the season with the added responsibility of captaining the side and wearing the No.7 jersey made famous by Peter Sterling.
His former Manly halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans, who formed arguably the game's best halves combination with Foran during their time at the Sea Eagles, has urged long-suffering Eels fans to be patient with the marquee man.
"To be completely honest, I already feel some of the expectation that has been put on him is completely unfair," Cherry-Evans said.
"He is only one player and we all know rugby league is a team game. I think he will help them in a massive, positive way, he's a great player and great competitor. You get a lot out of that as a teammate and get inspired by that.
"But I'd hate to think that if they lost their first couple of games that Kieran's head will be on the chopping block.
"[Especially] when you consider how hard he's working and the processes he'd be go through to get them firing for round one."
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/nrl-season-2106-parramatta-eels-captain-kieran-foran-in-doubt-for-opener-20160229-gn6y9n.html#ixzz41bO4xPyD
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Replies
Adrian obviously has a slow news day.
Expect shit like this and the Roy Masters "NRL wants Parra to be in the finals and will bend the rules to make it happen' article for the entire year
SMH and in particular (putting on best Rocky voice) "YO!! Adrian" went so hard at the Eels cap scandal and were so sure that the points penalty was going to be enforced that now that it hasn't there is a vendetta of sorts.
sure I could just be a cynical bastard but I'll be shocked if there is any true praise coming Parra's way from the SMH and if anything negative happens it will be heavily covered.
wow carl! dont jinx us or anything
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