Axe set to fall on Folau as NRL also turns its back
ISRAEL Folau will not be able to seek refuge in rugby league after ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie last night banned him from the NRL.
Rugby Australia last night signalled its intent to terminate the outspoken star’s $4 million contract, having failed to establish contact with him since his homophobic social media posts on Wednesday night. While nine NRL clubs have the financial means to sign Folau, the governing body has ruled out even allowing them to take a risk on the controversial star.
“Israel Folau doesn’t pass our inclusive test,” Beattie said.
“As a game we have a clear position to be inclusive. He won’t have a role in rugby league.”
A host of rugby league clubs would have been lining up to sign the 30-year-old, who in an open market could have secured a $1 million deal.
Beattie and his fellow commissioners acted swiftly to distance Folau from the code before he was naturally linked with a rugby league return.
The decision means Folau’s sporting future now rests overseas. But the English Super League is unlikely to be a place of solace because the game in the northern hemisphere generally adheres to NRL bans.
North Queensland would have been among the leading contenders to Folau given they are desperate for a fullback after sacking Ben Barba on the eve of the season and this week missing out on NFL-bound Valentine Holmes. While Canberra, Canterbury, Wests Tigers, North Queensland, South Sydney, Newcastle, New Zealand Warriors, St George Illawarra and Parramatta would have had the necessary cash to land Folau, NRL list managers fear he no longer has the aerobic ability to play fullback in rugby league.