Former Wallaby Israel Folau is reportedly close to sealing a comeback to the NRL after the St George Illawarra Dragons submitted an application to the league to sign the cross-code star.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting the Dragons board has approved the decision to attempt to sign Folau on a two-year deal, and that the NRL will “consider the application”.
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 following a number of anti-gay social media posts. The two-time John Eales medallist took RA to court for what he claimed was an unlawful dismissal, and an out-of-court settlement which saw each party apologise to the other was reached.
Folau had been set to play in the UK’s Super League with Catalans Dragons this year, only to return to Australia for the birth of his first child.
Prior to switching to the 15-player code, Folau made his name in the NRL, first with the Melbourne Storm then the Brisbane Broncos, and made 13 representative appearances with the Maroons and Kangaroos.
A return to the competition where he burst onto the scene would likely see Folau line up in the centres for St George.
However, the proposed deal still requires approval from the NRL, something that is far from guaranteed under Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.
When appointed as head of the ARLC in late 2019, V’landys was dismissive of Folau’s chances of returning to the NRL.
“The game is inclusive. Israel’s comments are not inclusive. When I was a kid and kids used to get bashed up because they were different, I used to go and defend them. And a lot of them, it’s because their role models or their peers made them that way,” he said at the time.
“I have no tolerance for people that put other people’s lives [at risk] or [commit] violence. It’s a big statement to make. With due respect to Israel, what he says, young kids listen to. He is a role model. They act on it. And when you’re a kid at school and you get bashed up because you’re different, I don’t think that’s a good thing…
“I came out here as a four-year-old migrant, stayed in Wollongong and went to school and I was very isolated. Didn’t know anyone, couldn’t speak any English.
“The only way that I was able to be a part of the community was to play rugby league and that’s the sole reason I’m on this commission, is I want to repay the debt that rugby league gave me in my life because without rugby league, I could be in jail.
“I could be anywhere because it set my path in life forward because I was accepted and included as an Australian.
“I think we need to be more inclusive and I think the greatest asset our game has is it is very inclusive.”
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
A little more than speculation, the speed at which Folau was dropped like the proverbial hot spud would strongly suggest the type of message that supporters and sponsors were giving.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Unlike the French team , Saints didn't sign Folau so any speculation as to the effect on sponsors , is merely speculation. In the mean time , Saints have signed JDB. I've read plenty of comments about how appalling this bloke is but where are the sponsors fleeing and how many fans are going to boycott the games? It's very easy to huff and puff but taking action is another matter. Have a look at Brett Stewarts 1st game back in 2009 , it's on you tube. Despite all the huffing and puffing , he scored 3 tries and that was the story , not all the imagined drama.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
It’s in black and white on this site , you should check it out. Thank you for the invitation to spend my time trawling through the Roar to read your previous comments. However I'll pass. AND I'd imagine that it still leaves the 2021 commentary in the same light.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Ironic considering the fact that you are incorrectly predicting what I said in the past. It's in black and white on this site , you should check it out.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Yes your ability to predict the past remains undiminished.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Sponsors didn't flee and clubs like Hull didn't sue as they threatened to do. It was pretty easy to predict.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Nah I'm saying it's easy to be wise after the event and that statements like this one Sponsors didn’t flee in droves didn't age really well.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Maybe next time for what? I have no idea what you are getting at. If you are saying I'm being wise after the event , you are incorrect. My thoughts on Folau playing in the Super League are in black and white.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Ahh well maybe next time
Kerry Hanson
Guest
I prefer Train Without A Track .
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Are you saying it's hindsight bias? It's not hindsight if you were correct before the event.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Ain't hindsight amazing. The ARU is looking better and better though.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Pay rates?? They don’t in SE Qld.
concerned supporter
Roar Rookie
The NRL don't want I.Folau but as yet have not censored P.Haas.
TJP
Roar Rookie
The liability insurance doesn’t extend to negligence. Your description suggests you are negligent and should be removed as a board member…. That’s a big call for someone who still doesn’t seem to be able to get their head around the difference between profit and retained earnings, given your obvious lack of understanding of the issue, I don’t know what incorrect assumptions you are having to make to draw that conclusion. Your response was so dumbed down it was just dumb. Confusing capital gains with sales isn’t complex… No confusion here, they are both considered income, businesses pay tax on their net profit, and yes it was dumbed down, and you still appear not to get it. You say I am operating under false premise but don’t expand…. Let’s start with the Pope making lots of money, then maybe, then maybe that it’s a”major issue” but it is all a little nonsensical as well.
mushi
Roar Guru
You're either naive or a conman
mushi
Roar Guru
The liability insurance doesn't extend to negligence. Your description suggests you are negligent and should be removed as a board member. Your response was so dumbed down it was just dumb. Confusing capital gains with sales isn't complex... Nothing you have since responded with clarified any of the points. You say I am operating under false premise but don't expand. You are a fraud
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Thanks Izzy...jog on mate
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Also, if he were to go back to Sydney, he would presumably go back to attending his Dad’s church where he would likely be encouraged to express his beliefs like he was before he left Australia. Being away from that Church is probably a big reason why he has been so quiet over the last year.
elvis
Roar Rookie
I take you read into my comment support for one side or another of politics. Put your comprehension hat on and read it again. People get abused for not having the right opinion on both sides of the ideological divide and I am dead against all of it. So my thoughts on vile abuse dished out to minorities is that it is wrong. And then you can come back and apologise, not that I am seriously expecting anyone on here to man up.