Troubled rugby league star Kieran Foran has lashed out at the media for prying into his personal life, assuring fans he has done nothing wrong.
The New Zealand international last week signed with the Warriors on a one-year deal for 2017, putting weeks of speculation to bed, though the NRL must still approve the contract.
Foran, 26, struggled with personal demons throughout 2016 and ended a lucrative deal at Parramatta in July to address his mental health problems.
His friendship with controversial NSW-based punter Eddie Hayson has also been thrust into the spotlight.
Foran took to Instagram on Sunday night to blast media outlets for their alleged meddling and to thank the public for their support.
His words were accompanied by a picture of a deserted beach.
"I am incredibly disappointed in the media prying into my personal life, especially my families (sic)," Foran wrote.
"They choose to write stories based on total lies.
"I want to assure you, I have done nothing wrong."
Warriors chief Jim Doyle told reporters on Friday that the ex-Manly star would have access to mental skills coaches, psychologists and mentors in Auckland next year.
He would also be close to family members, including godfather, lawyer Don MacKinnon.
Foran wrote on social media that he had been open about his struggles with mental illness and was trying to wake up with a positive outlook.
However, he felt negative headlines made this process difficult.
He said he understood his place in the public eye but didn't feel this justified the alleged attacks against him.
"All I have done, is gotten sick, admitted publicly to it and taken time out for myself," Foran wrote.
"I just ask that I am given the time I need to heal in peace."
Foran is set to form an all-star "spine" for the Warriors alongside halfback Shaun Johnson, hooker Issac Luke and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
However his contract, worth a reported $600,000, must first be ratified by the NRL which has said it wants to be sure he has overcome the issues that drove him out of the game.
Doyle said Foran was happy to tick any boxes necessary to get back on the playing field.
