Kieran Foran is set to miss the year's Rugby League World Cup, opting to pull out to focus on getting back into shape ahead of the next NRL season with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Foran intends to inform Kiwis coach David Kidwell this week about his decision to opt out and rather continue working on his injuries.
The five-eighth admits he was hurt for most of the this NRL season with the New Zeleand Warriors, and his play wasn't up to standard.
“I tore my quad during the season,” Foran told The Sunday Telegraph. “My back’s been pretty stuffed too. I’m busted.
“Medically I can’t play in the World Cup.
“I saw the Canterbury medical staff last week and we’re getting scans to work out the best treatment and best way forward.
“I played under strength for much of the year at the Warriors and I just wasn’t strong enough for NRL football. I’ve got to get my body right. I really need a big off-season."
Foran's decision comes at a time where the Kiwis are already without Jessie Bromwich and Kevin Procter, after the pair were stood down for drug use.
A potential replacement could come in the form of a re-call for West Tigers-bound Benji Marshall, who has mostly played off the bench for the Brisbane Broncos this season.
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