Eels CEO Denies Grudge Against Foran

"That ship's sailed"


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Parramatta have given their blessing to Kieran Foran's move to the Warriors, insisting there's no bad blood despite his mid-season exit last year leaving them in the lurch.

Foran will come up against his former side for the first time in a round-six NRL blockbuster at Mt Smart Stadium which will be filled with intrigue.

The former Kiwis Test playmaker was granted a release by the Eels in July to address personal issues less than one season into a rich four-year deal.

The Eels moved to ensure there was no ill feeling between the club and the 26-year-old, saying they had moved on and wished him well.

"We're looking through the windshield and not the rear-view mirror," chief executive Bernie Gurr said at Friday's announcement of the club's new independent board.

"There's so many things we need to work on here at Parramatta. Kieran's well-being is very important. Everyone wants to see Kieran fit, well and doing what he does.

"We don't want to waste any energy being vindictive about what happened here at Parramatta with Kieran Foran. He goes and plays with the Warriors - good luck to him. We've got our own club to worry about."

Foran's exit was one of many body blows which rained down on the Eels during arguably the most-tumultuous year experienced by a NRL club.

While the salary-cap scandal, domestic violence allegations levelled against Semi Radradra and Corey Norman's ban for a string of indiscretions all took their toll, Foran's exit had one of the most-lasting effects.

Foran was recruited as a marquee star and the Eels hoped to rebuild Brad Arthur's side around him.

After checking into a rehabilitation facility to address personal problems following the breakdown of his long-term relationship, he signed with the Warriors on a one-year deal.

He last week received permission from the NRL to return in round three but the Eels said they had no problem with him turning out in Warriors colours in 2017.

"That was an agreed release," Gurr said.

"These situations are never black and white. There's a lot of grey areas in everybody's situation. Unless you're looking at all those different grey areas around the Kieran Foran situation, it's very, very difficult to measure where you're at.

"From our club's point of view, that ship's sailed. We have to look forward."

- AAP

24 February 2017




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