It's been difficult to avoid the topic of Kieran Foran around Mt Smart this week after rumours were confirmed by Warriors CEO Jim Doyle that the club was interested in making a bid for his services.
The former New Zealand and Manly star is one of the brightest young talents in the game but has struggled in the past year with personal issues, resulting in a release on compassionate grounds from his lucrative deal with Parramatta Eels after a mere nine appearances.
Veteran forward Simon Mannering was well aware of what Foran has to offer on the field having played alongside the 26-year-old in the Kiwis side on numerous occasions, while also weary of the gap that would be left by the impending departure of current half Thomas Leuluai.
"He's been awesome for us," said Mannering. "If you're looking to replace him with someone then Kieran would be pretty ideal."
"If he was ready to play and he felt like he wanted to come back it would be awesome to see him over these ways."
The second-rower was certain such a move wouldn't signal the end of Tui Lolohea's prospects in the six jersey, who, despite some speed bumps in recent weeks, was being developed to step into the role which Foran would certainly claim if he were to join the Penrose-based side.
"Tui's such a great player, so versatile and can play in a number of positions. But I wouldn't put a pen through his name and say he couldn't play in the halves just because Kieran's coming here."
"We're not an individual sport and we're looking to win as a team, and I'm sure if you asked Tui he wouldn't say he's worried about himself more than the club.
Despite the well documented off-field drama it's clear the talent is still there, something Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson can't look past.
"Really good player," assessed Johnson. "He's dealing with a few other things at the moment, I'm not too sure how he's going there.
"I think any club would be lucky to have him."
The half admitted he had been in touch with Foran, although exclusively on a personal level as a means of support.
"I've spoken to him a little bit, I won't lie. But that was generally just more as a mate, nothing about footy actually.
"Just letting him know I'm there for him. We spoke a lot after the Four Nations and the Tests.
"Like everyone I think, just hoping he gets back on the field soon.
Johnson, Foran's former halves partner with the Kiwis national side, was adamant some time away from the intensity of the Sydney spotlight would be beneficial, offering a somewhat tongue-in-cheek assessment of New Zealand's own media.
"I haven't dealt with the Sydney media much, but you guys? You're a great bunch, I'm sure coming here would do the world of wonders for him."
Coach Andrew McFadden wouldn't be drawn into a detailed discussion on Foran's chances of moving back across the ditch, his eyes firmly set on the Warriors remaining challenges as they attempt to secure an elusive playoffs berth.
"He's a quality player, so if there was an opportunity we'd be silly not to look at it," he said.
"I'm not really focused on that at all. We're trying to finish our season well and there's other people that take care of that."
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