The National Rugby League has cleared five-eighth Kieran Foran to play for the Warriors but he must pass a further psychological assessment before being able to do so.
The NRL has registered Foran's contract meaning he is officially able to join the Warriors.
However he won't be allowed to play until round three of the competition, as long as the assessment confirms "he's in the right frame of mind to play," said NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg in a statment.
Kieran Foran. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Greenberg and Warriors Managing Director Jim Doyle said they had worked closely over the last four months on a rehabilitation program to help Foran overcome gambling problems which saw him drop out of the game last year.
"I have always said that my priority is ensuring Kieran's wellbeing... the expert advice we recently received indicates that Kieran's recovery has reached the point where he is physically and mentally fit to return to Rugby League," said Greenberg.
"Consequently, we have today registered his contract to play with the Warriors in 2017.
"However, we want to be doubly sure that Kieran is in the right state of mind and have therefore decided to defer his return to the NRL until Round Three so a further psychological assessment can be made.
"Kieran will only be allowed to play again in the NRL if that assessment is positive. Conditions will also be placed on his contract relating to integrity matters following the review of his gambling associations last year."
Warriors CEO Jim Doyle Photo: Photosport
Doyle said Foran has "already become an integral part of the Warriors squad off the field and his team mates will be thrilled to see him back on the field."
Foran said he was delighted that his contract had been registered.
"Naturally I would love to return in Round One because I love Rugby League and I love being part of the Warriors squad," he said.
"But both the Warriors and NRL have put my welfare first throughout so I am just happy that my contract is registered and I now have a date for my return," he said.
Kieran Foran Photo: Photosport
Foran's debut for the Warriors will be against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Dunedin on 17 March.
The Warriors kick off their season against the Newcastle Knights on 5 March.
