Kieran Foran's godfather pleads for Parramatta Eels fans to show compassion to New Zealand Warriors star

The man overseeing the comeback of Kieran Foran has pleaded with Parramatta fans to show compassion to the Warriors playmaker, declaring he would still be an Eel had his life not spiralled out of control.Foran will face the blue and golds for the first time since his departure in Sunday's clash at Mt Smart Stadium. The 26-year-old is likely to receive a hostile reception from travelling Eels fans still upset that he parted company less than a season into a four-year deal.Foran's godfather, Don McKinnon, has been guiding his career since late last year. While the main focus is on ensuring the welfare of the Kiwi international, McKinnon is assisting in finding a suitable club for the off-contract star next season.However, the immediate focus will be on Parramatta after Foran made a successful comeback against the Gold Coast last weekend.McKinnon, a New Zealand-based lawyer, hoped Eels supporters would take into consideration the circumstances surrounding Foran's exit when he runs out against them for the first time."It was always Kieran's intention to commit himself totally to Parramatta for the second half of his career," McKinnon said."He signed with the Eels in good faith and had every intention of seeing it out, if not for some very serious personal issues that were affecting him at the time. He still has a lot of regard for the club and is in contact with many of the players, whom he remains good friends with."I can understand supporters would be disappointed with how things played out, but it's important to understand he did have some big issues to deal with."He needed some time away from the game to focus on himself and I hope they take that into account."Foran was tagged as the biggest signing in Parramatta's history after finalising a mammoth four-year, $5 million contract. He was promptly handed the captaincy and the famous No.7 jersey, but made only nine appearances after succumbing to the pressure, injuries and a raft of off-field dramas.The premiership-winning half headed across the Tasman for a fresh start and, after being cleared by the NRL's integrity unit, is back on the field. It has taken only one game back to remind rival clubs of his value after he scored a try and steered the Warriors to a win against the Titans.With the exception of Cooper Cronk, Foran is the most accomplished playmaker on the open market and his next contract could garner him a seven-figure annual salary. Canterbury, Melbourne, Wests Tigers, South Sydney and Brisbane are all expected to watch his progress carefully as they attempt to finalise their halves pairing for 2018 and beyond."The plan for Kieran is just to let him focus on his football at present," McKinnon said."From a selfish point of view, it would be good for him to be able to play out the season and not have to make a call on his future until then. I realise it would be naive to think that could happen in practice and that it's an issue that will need to be addressed shortly."There is definite interest there but, for now, we just need him to concentrate on Parramatta. The Warriors have been very supportive and we appreciate what they have done. The main focus for Kieran is stability and his family."He's come a long way. I was just with him and he had that glint in his eye again. He's made a lot of progress, but it's not to say he still doesn't have to keep working to stay on top of his [issues]."The Eels will be without fullback Bevan French for the clash, while it remains to be seen when the Tigers will release Eels signing Mitchell Moses.

Replies

slip April 9, 2017 at 9:07am

Don McKinnon who played for the Bears?
- coco > slip April 9, 2017 at 9:46am
  
  Nope
coco April 9, 2017 at 9:07am

Good luck with that
Parrakeet April 9, 2017 at 9:10am

I call that guilt he was handsomely paid for dudding Eels.
Alan Hunt April 9, 2017 at 9:15am

Like he showed respect when he totally shat on the club, his team mates and the fanbase last year???

Hows get fucked sound Don???
Muttman April 9, 2017 at 9:18am

He had very very big issues to deal with.....that he totally resolved within a few months so he could miraculously sign a new deal with another club.
Oh and he also felt so bad about what happened that he demanded payment for the full year from the Eels despite playing only 9 games.
The guy is a saint.
- My Bob > Muttman April 9, 2017 at 11:44am
  
  Nice, I like it. Biting undercurrent of cynicism
- Hamish > Muttman April 9, 2017 at 12:30pm
  
  Summed up perfectly Mutt.
Parra Pug April 9, 2017 at 9:21am

What does this guy think, that we are all winging our way to NZ, pitchforks in hand. Gee, get a grip, he is dead to us now!
- CarloEEL2 > Parra Pug April 9, 2017 at 9:24am
  
  He did the wrong thing - suck it up buttercup :-)