NRL: Freshie start for unsettled Kieran Foran

Troubled rugby league star Kieran Foran emerged publicly yesterday for the first time since walking out on his $5 million contract with the Parramatta Eels. Photo / Getty Images.

Troubled rugby league star Kieran Foran emerged publicly yesterday for the first time since walking out on his $5 million contract with the Parramatta Eels.

Foran was seen outside the Freshwater home he shares with former partner Rebecca Pope and their two children, Emerson and Jordan.

On Friday The Daily Telegraph revealed the 25-year-old was taking indefinite leave away from the game to deal with personal issues.

It came just 24 hours before the NRL officially stripped Parramatta of 12 competition points and fined the beleaguered club $1 million for salary cap infringements.

Now star playmaker Norman, who was sensational in the Eels' 22-18 win over the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, is due to face court on Wednesday on charges relating to possession of prohibited drugs.

The uncertainty surrounding Norman's immediate playing future is another unwanted distraction for the Eels, who need to win all eight of their remaining games to have any hope of making this year's finals.

Parramatta copped another unexpected setback in Friday night's gutsy win over the Sydney Roosters when star winger Semi Radradra, who is facing domestic violence charges, suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for between four and six weeks.

The last thing the Eels can afford is for Norman to be suspended for any length of time, which makes his availability to play against Penrith this Sunday is absolutely crucial.

Norman was afforded the opportunity to continue playing leading up to Wednesday's court hearing, which could be ongoing. However, a guilty verdict could result in a playing suspension that would further cruel Parramatta's horror season.

Norman landed himself in strife back in May when he was allegedly found in possession of capsules at Sydney's The Star casino.

Casino security removed a container of capsules from the 25-year-old that were sent away for forensic analysis.

If convicted, Norman would have a strike recorded against his name under the NRL's illicit drugs policy.

It is understood under NRL guidelines a second strike would result in an automatic 12-match suspension. A third would mean deregistration.

Off contract at the end of the season, Norman is currently in negotiations for a new contract and the club has made no secret of the fact they want him to stay.

It is understood the club is close to coming to an agreement with Norman, but negotiations have dragged out as a direct result of the club's salary cap scandal.

-News.com.au