Foran Opens Up About Gambling Addiction

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Image: @nzheraldsport

Kieran Foran has paid glowing tribute to Warriors halves partner Shaun Johnson's help while also revealing the depth of his battles with mental illness and gambling addiction.

The controversial star opened up in an interview with the New Zealand Herald ahead of his NRL comeback and debut for the Auckland-based club on Sunday following a year out of the game while battling his demons.

"It's been the fight of my life," Foran said.

"There's been times when I haven't wanted to jump behind the wheel of my car because I've been worried I'd drive my car into a pole at 160km/h."

The 26-year-old Foran, who attempted to take his own life at his lowest point, was reportedly upset that some had seen his mental illness as a facade to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

"My situation is very complex. I had poor habits, I had addiction and I had mental illness. I've seen psychiatrists for the past 18 months and there's no right or wrong," he said.

"It's a torrid road. It takes everything you've got to get through it."

Foran said moving from Australia back to his homeland New Zealand - having to leave his two children in Sydney - had been crucial also in fighting a gambling habit that had him betting huge amounts each week.

"I was a gambling addict. I had been for most of my career. I've never bet on rugby league but I've bet big money on horses and greyhounds," he said.

"From my second or third year of first grade, I knew that my gambling was out of control. Something had to give."

The Warriors, under CEO Jim Doyle, offered Foran a career lifeline and support while he addressed his personal issues after he secured a release from Parramatta mid-season last year.

Foran said Kiwis and Warriors teammate Johnson had been inspirational to him since and he credited a lot of his change to the 26-year-old Kiwis superstar.

"He (Johnson) has helped me along my way and shown me what a good man looks like," he said.

"I love the bloke as a person. He's a great person first and foremost and a great player secondly.

"We love hanging out and spending time together and he's helped me so much.

"Making the decision to move to New Zealand had been hard.

"But I knew that I could make a decision to come here and change for the rest of my life, for my kids, and finally be the father that I know I can be to them.

"And the proof is in how I'm feeling and my lifestyle. I don't gamble. I haven't gambled in four and a half months."

Foran said his successful NRL career had helped cover up his problems.

"Rugby league can mask what's really going on in your life. If you can play football well enough on the weekend everyone assumes your life is great but the reality is that's not always the case.

"For me now it's about making smart decisions. Every day I wake up I say to myself 'today, be a better man and make better decisions'.

"I believe I'm a good person that made some bad decisions and poor choices."