New Warriors signing Kieran Foran has shared an emotional message onto his Instagram account last night, voicing his appreciation of support from fans and his disappointment in the media for reports of inaccurate stories.
Uploading a scenic beach photo accompanied with a passionate 217-word caption to his 38,400 Instagram followers at around 10pm last night, Foran both praises fans for their ongoing support, and blasts the media for their intrusion on his personal life.
The troubled 26-year-old, who last week signed a one-year deal with the Warriors for the 2017 NRL season, said he was overwhelmed with the continual support he has recieved from fans since he was released from his Parramatta Eels contract for personal reasons in July.
"I just want to express my appreciation to all of the people who continually send me well wishes and positive comments," Foran stated.
"It doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you."
LISTEN: Karen Nimmo: What Foran needs to do to manage mental health
Foran then moved on to voice his disappointment and anger at the media for reporting stories that he says stems from 'total lies'.
"I am incredibly disappointed in the media prying into my personal life, especially my families. They choose to write stories based on total lies. I want to assure you, I have done nothing wrong.
"I took a break from the game because I felt I wasn't in the head space to uphold
my commitments as a contracted footballer. I have been very open about my struggle with health issues and asked for time to concentrate on rebuilding my life.
"Every day I wake up with a positive outlook, but then I read my name in the headlines. This makes it very difficult to move forward with a positive mindset. Yes I accept that I am in the public eye as a footballer. But this shouldn't give the media a pass to write stories based on lies.
"All I have done, is gotten sick, admitted publicly to it and taken time out for myself. I just ask that I am given the time I need to heal in peace.
"Despite having to deal with the unwarranted media attacks, I am
remaining focussed on coming back stronger than ever. Again, thank you to everyone who has supported me."
The post has gone on to attract over 2300 likes, and more than 200 comments of support from Foran's fans.
The former Manly Sea Eagle will be looking to put a horrid 2016 behind him and have a fresh start to his life and his rugby league career when he moves to Auckland next year to join up with the 10th-placed Warriors, his third club in as many years.
Prior to suffering a season ending injury and being released from his contract, the 20-test Kiwi notched up nine matches in his sole season for the Eels, scoring one try against the Canberra Raiders in the process, as well as managing to make his 150th NRL appearance against the Wests Tigers in March.