Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson says Kieran Foran is well on the way to returning to his best, but is not across the line just yet.
Almost four months since the Warriors announced Foran's one-year deal, the Auckland-born playmaker's contract has yet to be registered by the NRL as they seek assurances about his mental health and that he no longer has contact with gambler Eddie Hayson.
That has not stopped Foran from training with the club as he continues his recovery from a serious shoulder injury. And Johnson says being immersed in the playing environment has worked wonders for his Kiwis' halves partner.
"He's coming along really well," Johnson said. "I've just been so happy to see him really start thinking about footy again. He's working really hard on recovering from that shoulder injury he sustained last year and just to see him with a smile on his face and enjoying being around the boys and not thinking about too much else other than footy and getting himself better, it's really cool to be a part of that process."
But asked if Foran was ready to return, Johnson added: "Not right now. I think he's got a bit of work to do mentally and physically. I just see him every day showing up and putting in the work and everything's leading towards that one goal of getting back on the footy field and starting over again."
Despite the delay, the Warriors have remained confident right throughout the process with the NRL's integrity unit that Foran's contract will be registered.
With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returning from injury alongside Johnson and Issac Luke, his addition would give new coach Stephen Kearney the Kiwis' first-choice spine and one of the best quartets in the competition.
Johnson and Foran have struck up a strong combination from their time in the national side, where the latter's organisation and direct running game allows Johnson the freedom to pick his moments on attack. And with both players off-contract at the end of the year, Johnson knows he may never have a better chance of success than this season.
"If it all pans out like that and we can get everyone on the field at the same time, I don't think I'll ever play with a group, or definitely a spine, like that again," he said. "That's something me and 'Foz' have actually spoken about a few times over the years; imagine if we could play club footy together and then you fill in those gaps with Issac and Roger it's crazy to think what we can do."
Johnson returned to training last week, his first taste of life at Mt Smart under Kearney.
