The Warriors have named playmaker Kieran Foran in their starting lineup for this Sunday's NRL clash against the Gold Coast Titans less than 48 hours after he pulled out of their last match with a hamstring injury.
The warm-up is as far as Kieran Foran gets. Photo: Photosport
Foran was set to make his debut for the Warriors aggainst St George Illawarra on Sunday but pulled out at the 11th hour after tweaking his hamstring in the warmup.
However, Kearney said today that Foran is now in line to appear for his new club for the first time in front of the Mount Smart home crowd.
"Kieran felt a twinge in his hamstring and in the warm-up and it wasn't worth the risk to play him," he said.
"He had good power in the leg at the time and has responded well since. He's making good progress.
"We're certainly hopeful he will be able to play and will give him every opportunity to prove his fitness."
In the reshuffle forced by Foran's late injury on Sunday, Kearney moved Tuimoala Lolohea to five-eighth, centre David Fusitu'a to Lolohea's spot on the right wing and 18th man Blake Ayshford into the centres.
Ayshford backed up from an 80-minute effort for the Warriors reserve grade side with another 80 minutes against the Dragons.
The 28-year-old Ayshford has been named on the right wing for Sunday's game, while the starting pack named is the same as that used against the Dragons.
-RNZ
