MCNAMARA PLEA FOR CATALANS’ FOLAU CIRCUS TO LEAVE TOWN

CATALANS DRAGONS are hoping to “move on” following Saturday’s media frenzy in Perpignan where Israel Folau made his return from the sporting wilderness.

The former Australian rugby union star made a try-scoring debut for Super League’s French club in the 36-18 victory over Castleford

Tigers and coach Steve Mcnamara is keen to start on the next phase of his controversial new signing’s rugby redemption.

“It’s been a difficult 10 days since Israel joined us,” said Mcnamara.

“We’ve had the world’s media camped out down here with people in cars chasing players around town just to get a story. Hopefully we can move on now and allow Israel to play.

“I understand the headlines but just let him play. People are judging him on a newspaper story, or what they’ve seen on social media. Let him get on the field and we’ll understand the person a little more.”

Folau’s controversial views on homosexuality prompted some Castleford fans to unfurl rainbow flags, with some claiming they had been asked to remove the symbols of the LGBT movement.

The Dragons said it was not their policy to ban rainbow flags and promised to investigate the claims.

Folau opened the scoring for his new club – his first rugby league try since leaving to play union 10 years ago – with his first touch in the opening minutes of a match which was dominated by a hat-trick from full-back Sam Tomkins.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell refused to blame the Folau sideshow for his side’s defeat, adding: “It was just a poor performance by us.”