And it was not your usual schmooze session when a club turned on the charm to woo a player. Foran faced some very stern questioning about his life and where it was going. He was said to have been very impressive in dealing with the interrogation.

There were no topics off limits and it took Foran by surprise. But he can handle himself in most situations. The problem the Dogs have is Foran's godfather, New Zealand-based lawyer, Don Mackinnon, wants him going to the Warriors so he can keep a close eye on him.

Mackinnon is very impressed with Warriors boss Jim Doyle, who has long coveted Foran's signature. If focused and fit, he is the kind of player the Warriors need.

But without making them look desperate, it's very clear the Bulldogs need a "kill". More specifically Des Hasler needs a big signing. There are elements of the board leaking stories they are not happy with the coach, and the media – more specifically a range of past players – have lined Hasler up and hammered him.

Hasler is in advanced stages of negotiations of a two-year extension but it's not done yet. Hasler knows what Foran can do and he has been in talks with him over the past few days. Hasler is the perfect coach for Foran: his former Manly mentor knows how to balance discipline and a cuddle and that's what Foran needs in his life.

Hasler's agent is George Mimis, who used to manage Foran. There have been reports Mimis was working against the idea of Foran linking with Hasler because he was no longer his agent. That's simply incorrect.

Mimis only wants the best for Foran and there is no question he'd want the Kiwi five-eighth to play with a coach who can bring the best out of him. But the biggest consideration for Foran is his young family.

His ex-wife Bec has been doing a great job with the children as Foran tries to get his life in order. Foran is doing everything he can to be the best dad he can be. His children will weigh heavily in his decision making and it's what the Warriors have to work against because time with his children will be minimal if he's based in New Zealand.

Foran has acknowledged he needs to distance himself from notorious gambler and former brothel owner Eddie Hayson, who told this column last week he would end their relationship so the footballer could rebuild his career. Foran has a huge task ahead convincing the NRL he should be allowed back. If so, he is quietly confident he can again be the player to build a club around.

Hayson enigma

Some observers are still scratching their heads about Thursday's Eddie Hayson presser. "Why did he do it?" is the most asked question.

There are some who have a theory it was an attempt to convince betting agencies he can be trusted to have an account. An interesting observation. But when he first floated the idea of a presser his reason was because he had no other way of telling the truth about match fixing.

He wanted to clear his name and defend his mates. And he wanted to confront some media figures. He deserves credit for fronting. But he didn't convince everyone with his denials. Calling a presser doesn't appear to be the act of someone with something to hide. Time will tell – or more pointedly the police investigation will tell us everything we need to know.

Hayson is not concerned. What is clearer than ever – it's not a great idea for sports stars to be in his company. It was interesting in that hour-long grilling he admitted to being a Manly fan – but then proceeded to bag the club predicting they'd be a bottom-four team next year. He admitted to backing Parramatta to win in almost every game this year that Foran played in. He also said he knows Stephen Dank – another notorious figure – and likes his company. A photo of those two together would be a collectors' item.

In the spotlight: Andrew Fifita. Photo: Getty Images

Fifita armed and looking for his own forgiveness

The Andrew Fifita black arm bandage was noticed by many during Cronulla's finals victory over the Raiders but what was missed was the lack of other players with writing on their strapping. They were responding to a request from coach Shane Flanagan to reconsider their actions.

Flanagan had a discussion with CEO Lyall Gorman and it was thought it would be best if the Sharks dropped off on the messages. Which is a shame for many of the players as there are many worthy messages of support and private inspiration scribbled on their wrists. It follows the suggestion from Paul Gallen that the NRL should ban wrist messages.

What is also of interest is the "F" in the infamous "FKL" acronym worn by Fifita earlier this season was not "Free" or "For". This column understands it's "Forgive" – something Fifita wrote after two years of trying to find forgiveness for a mate who did the wrong thing.

It was something he struggled with and still does because he knows how brutal Kieran Loveridge's act was. It is my understanding Fifita doesn't want the world to forgive the one-punch killer. He's not silly enough to push that down people's throats. He wasn't pushing it on to teammates or anyone else, it was a reminder to look for that in himself.

New start: Robbie Farah. Photo: Supplied

Smart signing

What does it say about the decision-makers at Wests Tigers when you see South Sydney sign Robbie Farah on a two-season contract. That's an additional season to the one that the Tigers will pay him. Not only do the Rabbits value him for 2017 and 2018, they released a player – Cameron McInnes – to create space. The people making South Sydney's decisions know a thing or two about football – coach Michael Maguire has won a premiership and so has club boss Shane Richardson.

Sledging tactics

Shane Mumford sledging Buddy Franklin has received significant press during the week. He had a none-too-subtle go about Franklin being absent from the Swans due to his anxiety last year during the finals.

After the game Mumford said to Swans players it was nothing personal – the old "what happens on the field stays on the field" line. It's a bit rich. What hasn't been talked about was the team's sledging of Swans skipper Kieran Jack. Some GWS players had a crack about Jack's fractured relationship with his parents – a touchy subject to say the least.

To be more frank, a low blow. But what is clear – the Giants got under the skin of the Swans and it played a huge role in the win.

Referees restless

There is growing disquiet in the referees ranks about their boss, Tony Archer. Refs are complaining about not being allowed to officiate in their own style and have been threatening to go public with their concerns. They are stunned at the favourable treatment Gerard Sutton has received in comparison to others. They do not dislike Sutton but felt he should not have survived after last week's inept display.

Cleal's crushed

The first casualty of Canterbury's quick exit from this year's NRL finals is the club's respected recruitment guru Noel Cleal. It's understood Des Hasler wanted to keep Cleal on board after bringing him from Manly with him.

But the board made the call and Hasler is not thrilled one of his key support staff is gone. It's a significant decision from the success-hungry club. In 21 seasons doing the job at Parramatta, the Sea Eagles and the Dogs, Cleal had teams in the finals in 19 seasons.

He recruited many players and his bond with Manly stalwart Jamie Lyon was a special one. He may look to keep working in the game but those who know him say he is looking forward to going bush with good mate Les Boyd.

Jersey reward

Nigel Kerr, from Wentworthville, was one of four people who came to the aid of an 81-year-old woman who was attacked by two pit bulls last week. She suffered bites to her face and ears and Nigel and his brother all suffered deep cuts and bruises while they were helping out.

Nigel was wearing a Wellington Phoenix jersey at the time, which was ripped while he was trying to help the elderly woman. The Phoenix were naturally very impressed with his bravery and his incredibly kind gesture and they presented him with a new jersey prior to the Central Coast Mariners trial on Saturday.

Snake nears exit

Brett Stewart isn't holding back when it comes to surgery. He had his troublesome knee cleaned up a few weeks back. And last week he had his shoulder done. That all feels like he is preparing to play again – but the mail we keep on getting is his days are done.

His knee is shot. There was a meeting between his agent George Mimis and Manly supremo Bob Fulton on Monday. There is an exit strategy taking place but when it comes to a club legend it is never an easy process.

Struggling: Michael Lichaa. Photo: Getty Images

Lichaa letdown

When Michael Lichaa was signed by the Bulldogs he was seen as the next big thing. His departure from the Sharks came with a blow-up at Shane Flanagan who was not showing any great interest in playing him in the top grade.

And the Dogs were happy for Michael Ennis to move on. But in the last couple of seasons Lichaa has not lived up to the hype. He's been solid, without being the skilful player he was signed to be. He made headlines this year when Josh Reynolds threw the ball at his head. And in last week's season-ending finals loss to the Panthers, halfback Moses Mbye grabbed him and shouted in his face "pass me the ball" – it was a huge and uncharacteristic display of frustration by a player known for calmness.

Dogs insiders say Mbye was in the right to blow up – he was supposed to get the ball in that situation and others. Mbye may just be the player at dummy half next year if Kieran Foran decides to go to the Bulldogs. He will play half – Josh Reynolds will be five-eighth and the No.9 is shaping as Mbye. None of that points to a long-term future for Lichaa in blue and white.

Sad farewell

Des Hasler's half-time bake of Tony Williams was one of the heaviest of the year. He didn't hold back for a moment. No one from the team will say what it was about publicly but it related to Williams' shoulder charge in the first half.

It was a lazy play that put the Bulldogs under pressure. It was a sad way for Williams' career at the club to end. He is trying to snaffle a one-year deal with the Sharks.

Danny Weidler is a Nine reporter.