NRL: Foran wouldn't be alive without me - controversial gambler

Kieran Foran of the Eels walks off the field after the round 11 NRL match against the Storm. Photo / Getty

NRL star Kieran Foran "probably wouldn't be alive" today without the help of Eddie Hayson.

That's the claim made by the gambling identity during his explosive hour-long match fixing-denial press conference in Sydney on Thursday.

Hayson's claim that he helped keep Foran alive during the former Parramatta star's dark period earlier in 2016 came as the former owner of Sydney brothel Stiletto admitted he attempted to place $30,000 into one of Foran's betting accounts during the 2016 NRL season.

It has been reported the NSW Crime Commission's Strike Force Nuralda investigation into NRL match fixing is focusing on three NRL matches - all involving Manly. Police have already analysed betting records for Manly's round 16 match against South Sydney in 2015, Manly's round 24 game against Parramatta in 2015 and the Sea Eagles' round 7 game against the Eels on April 14 this year.

Foran has not played since the Eels' round 12 loss to Newcastle after suffering a shoulder injury.

In April it emerged Foran and long-term partner Rebecca Pope had separated before recent reports in June suggested the pair are reconciling and have moved back in together in their Sydney home.

The Daily Telegraph reported in April, the relationship breakdown was behind Foran's overdose on prescription medication. Paramedics treated Foran before he was taken to St Vincent's Hospital for 48 hours before he was admitted to a rehab facility.

Hayson claims his friendship with Foran was crucial to keeping the former Manly star alive during his darkest days.

Eric Watson on chasing Kieran Foran

"Kieran went through some really dark times this year," Hayson said.

"If I wasn't in his life he probably wouldn't be alive.

"I was just there to talk to him. I don't want to talk much about Kieran today. He's well on the road to recovery and he's doing really well now and I'll leave it at that. He was going through some bad times and we were both on the Central Coast together and I was there to talk to him 24/7 and he's fine now."

Foran is reportedly trying to re-launch his NRL career. Both the Warriors and Bulldogs have been courting his signature, according to reports.

Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle has previously said the club is confident of signing Foran for the 2017 NRL season.

Hayson said he is prepared to walk away and have no further contact with Foran if it helps the 26-year-old get approved by the NRL to return to the sport.

The NRL is yet to announce if it will register the next contract Foran signs with an NRL club.

Hayson confirmed he attempted to place $30,000 into Foran's personal Ladbrokes account, but the deposit was rejected by the corporate bookmaker after Ladbrokes official became aware Hayson was linked to the transaction.

Hayson denies there was anything untoward behind the attempted $30,000 transaction and did not have any specific vision for how the money would be wagered.

"He was injured and not playing football," Hayson said of Foran.

"I wasn't trying to help him out. I was trying to help myself.

"I don't want to speak about Kieran any more. He's on the road to recovery and I wish him all the best and if I have to stay out of his life, that's fine. I'm happy to do that."