Kieran Foran says “big love” at the Warriors and from wider family in Auckland have him feeling positive about returning to play in the NRL.

Foran spoke publicly for the first time since crossing the Tasman, at the club’s season launch on Wednesday.

The Kiwi international says he was always confident of being registered by the NRL, with confirmation arriving last week that he can debut for the Warriors in round three.

In a short on-stage interview, Foran said the support of his new teammates had helped him move on from the off-field troubles that enveloped his life in Sydney.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air, really, I needed it,” Foran said.

“It’s great to get out of Sydney and get home around extended family and just get back to my roots and be around big love and just start afresh at a new club.”

The 26-year-old is scheduled to make his return against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Dunedin on March 17.

He is looking forward to paying back the faith the Warriors have shown in him and performing for a group of teammates he has formed a tight attachment to.

“It’s been brilliant. The boys have made me feel welcome from the get-go and I just think all Kiwis are like that,” he said.

“It’s just one big family and it’s no different at the Warriors. I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.”