Warriors boss Jim Doyle is anxious that departing star Kieran Foran gets plenty of support around him when he returns to Sydney for the next NRL season.
The Warriors Kieran Foran (r) and Shaun Johnson. Photo: Photosport
Doyle is concerned the 26-year-old is leaving Auckland prematurely to the city where off-field problems plagued his life before signing a one-year deal with the Warriors.
The Kiwis star will head to the Bulldogs on a three-year deal from next season, returning to Sydney to be closer to his young children.
Doyle, who has forged a close relationship with Foran, revealed the player's wider family were keen for him to stay in New Zealand, where he has enjoyed a settled lifestyle.
Doyle said despite progress in Foran's personal rehabilitation, he feels uneasy about his return to the inevitable spotlight of Sydney.
"That's one of the main reasons his family were keen for him to stay here as well," Doyle said.
"Yes, yes, it is (a concern). That's something he'll no doubt continue to work with specific people over there. I'm sure the Bulldogs will put support around him.
"Certainly, he got himself into a pretty dark hole just over a year ago."
Foran left Sydney following a tumultuous 10 months which included a broken relationship, a probe into his links with a gambling identity and a prescription drugs overdose.
However Foran said he's confident a return to Sydney won't result in a return to the personal troubles that plagued him last year.
"I've done a lot of work on myself over the last seven months since I've been here, I'm a lot stronger person I'm a lot more comfortable person and I've got no doubt in my mind that when I return to Sydney next year I'll be fine."
-AAP/RNZ
