Foran slams 'prying' media in emotional social post

Kieran Foran has taken to social media to thank his fans for their support and to take aim at those in the media who have pried into his personal life.

The five-eighth was signed by the Warriors on a one-year deal on Thursday last week, a deal that still needs to be rubber stamped by the NRL.

The governing body are thought to want further assurances on Foran's mental condition after struggling with personal demons throughout 2016.

The five-eighth was granted a release from a lucrative deal with the Eels in July after checking into a Brisbane rehabilitation clinic for professional help.

The governing body have also suggested to want more information on Foran's relationship with controversial Sydney-based punter Eddie Hayson.

"I just want to express my appreciation to all of the people who continually send me well wishes and positive comments. It doesn't go unnoticed," he wrote on his Instagram account.

"I am incredibly disappointed in the media prying into my personal life, especially my families. They choose to write stories based on total lies. I want to assure you, I have done nothing wrong."

He said he took a break from the game because he felt that he wasn't in "the head space to uphold commitments as a contracted footballer.

"I have been very open about my struggle with health issues and asked for time to concentrate on rebuilding my life.

"Every day I wake up with a positive outlook, but then I read my name in the headlines. This makes it very difficult to move forward with a positive mindset. Yes I accept that I am in the public eye as a footballer.

"Despite having to deal with the unwarranted media attacks, I am remaining focussed on coming back stronger than ever."

Warriors chief Jim Doyle was keen to bring Foran to Mt Smart, and his signature completes an all-Kiwi 2017 spine alongside fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, halfback Shaun Johnson and hooker Issac Luke.

Doyle told reporters on Friday that Foran, who lived in Auckland until aged 10, would have all of the club's resources at his disposal to get back to his best.

Those resources included access to mental skills coaches, psychologists, mentors and Auckland-based family members such as godfather Don MacKinnon.

His drive, leadership and on-field professionalism made him an ideal candidate to fill the shoes of departing five-eighth Thomas Leuluai.

"He makes other people around him stand up and be accountable and be better," Doyle said.

"He's obviously had a little bit of a dark time but we'll get him back to where he needs to be."

Doyle said Foran, who will arrive in Auckland in late October for the start of pre-season, was happy to tick any boxes with the NRL that they deemed necessary.

Foran said on Thursday last week he'd rediscovered his passion for the game after several rough months.

"Initially, footy was the furthest thing from my mind and I needed time away from the game," Foran said.

"More recently, the desire to play again has completely returned and I'm very keen to make a big contribution."

Foran, who reportedly turned down the Bulldogs and Dragons to cross the ditch to New Zealand, is thought to be on a deal worth $600,000.