Kieran Foran is officially out of Parramatta’s NRL season opener on Thursday night against Brisbane.

The Eels’ star signing was close to overcoming a hamstring problem that he had battled for most of the pre-season, however coach Brad Arthur opted not to risk the club’s new captain.

“There’s no strain or tear there. It was my decision to make sure we rest him up and make sure he’s right for next week,” he said on Triple M radio.

Luke Kelly will take his place in the halves at Pirtek Stadium, with Foran expected to come back for next week’s clash with North Queensland.