Kieran Foran is worth every cent of his $4.7 million four-year deal to join Parramatta in 2016, according to Eels great Peter Sterling.

Foran is set to be the Eels’ most important playmaker since Sterling left the NRL club at the end of 1992 to finish his career with Hull FC.

Speaking on Triple M on Monday night, Eels premiership winner Sterling enthusiastically welcomed the acquisition of Foran.

“He’s one bloke you would (pay that much money) for,” Sterling said.

“I rate him that highly. He’s young, his best football is still in front of him and when you consider what he’s already achieved, that’s a nice prospect.

“He’s an investment in the future, he’s a fantastic player, he’s a great bloke, he’s a winner and he’s already captained his country so if you’re a Parramatta fan, as I am, you’re very excited about the future.”

The make-up of Parramatta’s halves combination is now up in the air, with either Chris Sandow or Corey Norman to partner Foran come 2016.

“I have a huge wrap on Corey Norman and I think a big reason why Sandow has played so well is because of Corey Norman, so that’s a nice headache for Brad Arthur to have,” Sterling said.

“I had my question marks on Chris Sandow. I wasn’t sure we were going to get the value out of him that we have.

“I saw him in the sheds last week and he looked as good as I’d ever seen him.”