US team weighs up Folau
RUGBY LEAGUE: The New York rugby league franchise has begun discussions with Israel Folau about the rugby outcast becoming the club’s first marquee signing.
News Corp can reveal New York chief executive Ricky Wilby made his pitch during a phone call with Folau.
Folau learned of the New Jersey-based club’s interest in him in an exclusive Daily Telegraph report on December 19.
Wilby has not made an offer to Folau but will follow up their initial conversation in coming weeks.
New York officials believe Folau’s request for an introductory call with Wilby showed a preliminary interest in joining the franchise.
Folau, 30, hasn’t ruled out a move to North America but there are still significant obstacles to overcome before any deal can be secured.
Last month, Folau reached a confidential settlement with Rugby Australia after his contract was terminated for a social media post in which he said hell awaited homosexuals and other sinners.
The NRL has refused to allow him back into Australian rugby league.
Wilby has also spoken to one of the former star Wallaby’s close associates in another phone call.
British rugby league will expand its footprint in the US, with New York poised to enter a third-tier League One competition next year.
New York is also planning to enter a team in next year’s English Challenge Cup.
“It was an introductory call to explain the community ethos behind the club and about how we will engage with all groups across the New York area,” Wilby told News Corp.
“We also spoke about how we want to grow the team and game organically in the United States and how the large foundations of what this club will be built on will be communitybased. But I don’t want to people to think we have automatically signed him.”
It is understood Wilby discussed the fledgling club’s values and how he wanted Folau to “buy into” the franchise, including the promotion of rugby league at local schools and in the local communities.
New York may also have discussed whether Folau wants to post any further homophobic comments to social media – as he did before his sacking by Rugby Australia last year.
New York has a strong and vocal LGBT community, and the new club is keen to entice the group to rugby league.