Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is confident the wait will be worth it when new recruit Kieran Foran finally gets his chance to pull on the club’s jersey.
It has been a long process for both Foran and the Warriors, following four months of negotiations with the NRL to have his contract officially registered yesterday.
It followed a number of off-field issues which saw the 26-year-old walk away from a four-year deal with the Parramatta Eels.
"I'm really happy for Kieran," said Kearney.
"I know he's worked really hard over the last two or three months to get himself in that position.
"Eight months ago, he was a million miles away from playing, so for me, it's about Kieran being in a position where he's able to play.
"It hasn't been an easy journey and it won't be an easy journey moving forward, so that will be a process for him every day, to keep working on getting better, but no doubt this helps."
Despite having his contract registered by the NRL, Foran will not be able to play any rugby league until round three of the NRL season when the Warriors host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on March 17 in Dunedin.
Along with recovering from some personal issues, Foran is still recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury he sustained last season with the Eels.
The five-eighth is yet to take part in full contact training, so the extra two weeks off will give Foran enough time to return to full fitness.
"He is getting closer and closer to full contact. It is all about progression for him," said Kearney.
The Warriors have named their strongest available side for their final preseason trial against the Gold Coast Titans this Sunday in Palmerston North.
The match will give Kearney a chance to see who will most likely suit up for the Warriors season opener early next month, and most importantly at five-eighth.
Kearney is looking at youngsters Ata Hingano and Mason Lino to fill the role. Both Hingano and Lino will have a chance to prove their worth after being named in the squad for the trial against the Titans.
"I haven't decided [who will partner Shaun Johnson] yet," said Kearney.
"I can't think that far ahead, I'm thinking about training on Saturday.
"Last week was about giving Ata and Mason some time with Shaun and both will get another shot this weekend.
"I look at it with an open view, if you perform you get the opportunity."
The Warriors begin their NRL season at Mount Smart Stadium for the first time since 2009 when they host the Newcastle Knights on March 5.
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