Folau in running for Man of Steel award
Disgraced former Wallaby Israel Folau is being tipped as a contender for Super League’s Man of Steel award.
The claim was made by Hull coach Lee Radford, whose side will provide the first opposition for the dual-code international on English soil this morning (NZ time).
While the award’s name denotes some sort of toughness, really it’s just the MVP award for Super League, which Radford said Folau would have to be in the running for.
‘‘He’s an absolute talent, he could be Man of Steel,’’ Radford said.
‘‘He’s multi-talented, at league, union, AFL, you can tell he’s played AFL by how he jumps, he jumps like Michael Jordan.’’
Catalans’ signing of Folau drew widespread criticism after the player claimed on social media that ‘‘hell awaits’’ gay people and some Castleford fans displayed rainbow flags at the game in Perpignan to demonstrate their support of LGBT issues.
The Dragons responded to complaints by insisting the only flag requested to be removed during the game was one obstructing an advertising hoarding but they have been asked by the Rugby Football League after it carried out its own investigation to put provisions in place to avoid any confusion in the future.
‘‘He’s multi-talented, at league, union, AFL, you can tell he’s played AFL by how he jumps, he jumps like Michael Jordan.’’ Lee Radford Hull coach
An RFL spokesman said: ‘‘Whilst no formal disciplinary action is being taken against the club, the Dragons have been issued with an advisory notice regarding improved provisions to prevent any future confusion around policies relating to any flags at the stadium both with spectators and all staff who are employed by the stadium.
‘‘This should include clear messaging to stewards regarding the club’s policy on flags and the club’s and Rugby League’s commitment to inclusivity – including the Enjoy the Game campaign – and the right for spectators to respectfully promote this inclusion.’’
Hull say a rainbow flag continues to fly outside the KCOM Stadiumand Radford expects Folau to be booed but only in the way that most away players are barracked.