Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is hopeful troubled star Kieran Foran will be back soon playing in the NRL.
Just one year after trumpeting the signing of Foran on a four-year deal, the Eels on Friday parted ways with the New Zealand international after granting his request to be released from the club.
The former Manly five-eighth missed two games earlier this year after being given personal leave to address issues at a Brisbane rehabilitation clinic.
Foran eventually returned, but lasted just two games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury and was also sensationally stripped of the captaincy for failing to complete his injury rehabilitation.
He played a total of nine games as an Eel.
Speaking after his side’s 23-8 defeat on Saturday to the Wests Tigers, Arthur said he endorsed any move rugby league players made to take ownership of their careers.
“At the end of the day, Kieran’s got to do what’s best for him,” he said.
“I’m all about what all the players do that’s best for them. If that’s what he needs to do and get himself on track, we’re here to support him and, hopefully, he can come back to the NRL.”
Asked whether he was relieved to have some closure on Foran’s dramatic time at the club, Arthur said: “No disrespect to anyone, but we’ve just been focusing on the footy that we’ve had to play.
“We’ve got players here that want to play.”
Club captain Tim Mannah said the team just wanted to give their former teammate his space.
“I think it’s one of those cases where he needed a bit of time and space to himself. It’s best for him and best for us to respect that and let him have that,” he said.