Controversial Warriors recruit Kieran Foran has been officially ruled out of the NRL side’s clash with the Bulldogs on Friday with injury.

The troubled 26-year-old playmaker received clearance to return to the NRL last Saturday, and is eligible to play for his new side in their Dunedin match.

But the Kiwis five-eighth continues to struggle with a long-term shoulder injury picked up last year at Parramatta and has not been able to recover in time.

Boss Stephen Kearney told reporters Foran was a more likely option to debut for the club in next week’s match against the Dragons in Sydney, or against the Titans in a fortnight.

He could be seen training with the NSW Cup side in Auckland on Tuesday.

“He’s ticking along well – it won’t be this week,” Kearney said.

“My focus this week is on the Bulldogs.”

Young gun Ata Hingano will retain the No.6 jumper for the match in the deep south, having started in the opening two rounds.

Foran has not played an NRL match since May 30 last year, having quit the game to address personal issues and his mental health.

He joined the Warriors in September.