Foran issue bad look for Parramatta

Kieran Foran is an honourable man, says Richie Barnett. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Those who are criticising Kieran Foran don't understand professional sport.

Foran is an honourable man - we know that - but he has every right to have another look at things and is justified in having second thoughts. This could be the biggest contract of his career and he wants to get it right. Life in the NRL is short and someone like Foran doesn't want to waste any seasons.

Whatever happens, it's a really bad look for Parramatta and doesn't do anything to help their image. How could they not have had a complete understanding of what is in a contract? But there are underlying things at Parramatta, maybe other agendas, that don't tend to happen at other clubs.

It's hard for the Eels. They had a golden period in the 1980s (four premierships) and have been trying to replicate that success ever since. They have come close a few times - 2001 and 2009 - but they have never had stability behind the scenes which means the good times don't last. They have burned through a whole lot of coaches, with six in charge over the past decade.

There have been some positive signs this year but they need to get their halves in order. That is why Foran is so crucial; they can build a team around the Kiwis vice-captain.

Talking of halves, the display on the Gold Coast was the best we have seen from Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend all season. The way the Warriors' six and seven controlled the game was a sight to behold. Sure, it helped that the forwards, in particular Ben Matulino and Jacob Lillyman, were outstanding, providing valuable momentum. Both props topped 200 running metres and Lillyman's effort off the back of Origin was incredible.

But behind that the Warriors' halves kept believing in the process. They built pressure, forced repeat sets and showed patience, especially in the first half. We didn't see the risky options, the poorly placed kicks. Instead we witnessed composure and precision, and the Warriors were able to apply the knockout blow in the second half.

Tomorrow Canberra will carry a much greater attacking threat. They will throw a lot more at the Warriors than the Titans were able to. Blake Austin has been a revelation at five-eighths and Edrick Lee is one of the most dangerous aerial weapons in the sport.