NRL: Kieran Foran signing would be a calculated gamble for Warriors

The Warriors may be the ideal club to help Kieran Foran resurrect his NRL career but obstacles remain before the troubled playmaker can book a one-way flight to Auckland.

Foran is considering a move to New Zealand and a one-year deal with the Warriors to initiate his playing comeback next season.

But there are myriad concerns around both his mental and physical state and his readiness to return to the game after he was last month released from a multi-million dollar contract with Parramatta on compassionate grounds.

Foran's personal problems are well documented and, from this side of the Tasman, it is difficult to know to what degree he remains affected by those issues that have dogged the 26-year-old since he was given time off earlier this year to attend a Brisbane rehabilitation clinic.

Rumours continue to swirl around his alleged involvement in match-fixing, his fondness of both the punt and drink, and the toll taken on him by the breakdown of his relationship with long-term partner Rebecca Pope, the mother of his two children Jordan and Emmerson.

Reports suggest his mindset has improved significantly in recent weeks, although his recovery is far from finished.

While trying to get his personal life in order, he is struggling under the intense Sydney media glare that scrutinises his every move.

A shift to the Warriors would free him of most of that burden but crossing the Tasman would also see him further removed from his children, which could potentially weigh upon him more and only serve to exacerbate his problems.

In that regard, a potential one-year deal and short-term stint in New Zealand would enable an easier transition back into football and allow him to test the water away from his nearest and dearest. At any rate, the Warriors are in Australia almost every fortnight.

Furthermore, any playing contract would need the approval of the NRL who are certain to require proof that Foran is making genuine attempts to address his off-field issues.

The Warriors are not the only club that would be interested in securing his signature, and Foran's close relationship with Canterbury coach Des Hasler has seen the Bulldogs viewed as a likely destination.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle is held in high esteem by those in charge at the NRL and his sway would no doubt assist any attempt by the club to sign him.

And while a one-year deal is the apparent starting point, the Warriors would be hesitant to commit to Foran if they felt any inkling that he remained a potential liability who could cut and run.

The Daily Telegraph report that Foran is willing to join the Warriors on a cut-price rate, confident he can find top form and command top dollar on a new deal beyond 2017.

A discounted contract full of clauses around his responsibilities and obligations would certainly make the gamble more appealing.

Coach Andrew McFadden and Doyle have repeatedly spoken about the club's need for continual and long-term improvement.

The Warriors have already invested heavily in rising halves prospects Tui Lolohea and Ata Hingano but it is questionable whether either is ready to fill the boots of departing five-eighth Thomas Leuluai.

But if the Warriors can assist Foran's recovery and help him to rediscover his true self, they would gain one of the best players in the world and someone who would work well alongside his Kiwis test halves partner Shaun Johnson.

The Kieran Foran of old is a proven leader and fierce competitor who would enhance both the team's performance and the club's culture.

It could be the best thing for both parties but executing this move would take subtlety and attention to detail from all involved, most notably from Foran himself.