Foran boosting Warriors already: Robinson

The injection of Kieran Foran into the Warriors’ halves is already paying dividends, according to Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

Robinson’s fourth-placed Roosters have travelled across the ditch to take on the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday, a quick turnaround from their golden-point Anzac Day triumph over the Dragons.

The Warriors also pulled on the boots on Tuesday, going down 20-14 to Melbourne.

Foran, who joined the Warriors on a one-year deal in September, has made four appearances for the club since receiving the all-clear to return to the game after injury and well-publicised mental health issues.

According to Robinson, the ex-Kiwis playmaker has already made an impact in providing solidity and direction in attack.

“They’ve had a lot of success there in squaring up the line, adding a bit to Shaun (Johnson)’s game – on both sides of the field – and helping Roger (Tuivasa-Sheck) as well,” Robinson said.

“Kieran’s allowed Shaun to play first and second receiver.

“A lot of pressure has always been on Shaun to lead the team around, but also come up with the big play.

“Kieran has allowed him to take the share of the organising, and also he adds a second phase or layer for Shaun to do his bit.”

With just five days between their Anzac Day clash and Sunday’s match at Mount Smart Stadium, Robinson admitted bodies were a touch sore in the Roosters camp.

But the return of second-rower Mitch Aubusson from illness and the reinjection of Dylan Napa into the starting XIII would give them the boost they need.

Napa in particular would provide plenty of thrust through the middle, alongside Kiwis enforcer and propping partner Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

“Dylan Napa, he had that ankle injury (but) he’s ready to go – he’s a starting front rower,” Robinson said.

“Jared, a high quality player and in good form, obviously had the knee injury (in last year’s Four Nations) but he’s been in good form for us.”

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