TEXT Maniacs
CATALANS have ditched their plans to herald the arrival of Israel Folau as the storm over his signing gathers pace.
The dual-code international arrived in Perpignan and met with his team-mates on Monday – but Catalans cancelled an open press conference with the 30-year-old and instead circulated an in-house video with the former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos player.
In it, Folau did not address any of the issues surrounding his social media posts that included one stating that “hell awaits” gay people.
Instead, the Aussie focused only on matters on the field, while the furore over his signing continues.
Keegan Hirst, Britain’s only openly gay rugby league player, and ex-star Gareth Thomas, who has also come out, were among those to condemn the move. Several clubs have also taken legal advice over potential loss of earnings from sponsors and through the turnstiles.
Folau said: “I’m excited to be playing the game I grew up playing. It’s been 10 years since I last played league and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“I missed that camaraderie and team environment. Being able to train with the team and work alongside the coaches, that’s something I’ve missed.
“But it’s fantastic to be back in a team environment and getting into that routine of training hard again, enjoying the game and putting my best foot forward. It’s going to be a great challenge.”
Dragons must now decide whether to hand Folau his first start at Wakefield on Sunday.
Trinity have been among the most outspoken clubs on the move, with chief executive Michael Carter saying his registration should have been refused and that his views are “abhorrent in a modern world”.
A home debut would appear the more likely option but coach Steve McNamara has been hit by injuries to backs Tom Davies, Lewis Tierney and David Mead.
He said: We knew it would be controversial, but a chance arose after Brayden Wiliame left.
“We investigated a fair few players, Israel’s name was on that list and having spent a lot of time speaking to him and understanding him a lot more and getting reassurances, we made a decision as a club we would support Israel and give him another opportunity in our game.”
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I watched the spuds v City on sunday and only one team played football, City totally outplayed and outclassed them i still cant believe they lost. West ham iron. ■
Cheery red, you got some front, grealish is a diver but youve got 3 or 4 mate – fraser big cheat, jumps in the air clucthing his leg’s slightish touch.
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Jose we were lucky against City. When are you going to realise we need 3 midfielders not 2. Maybes that way we will start getting some possession. At the moment teams are over running us. It will cost us in the long run.
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The Empty- headers all been callin us bottlers. Well the bottlers have just had a change of identity. They are all now wearin sky blue! Enjoy second place if you can manage it.
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I texted you about two years ago, with the same text. When are these clubs going to realise David Moyes is a no good manager. West ham board are absolutely mad, crazy, stupid taking him back. Im telling you now moyes takes teams down. Nothing down for West ham. Championship here you come.
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Dean Ashton on Quest is an idiot. Blues fans weren’t booing Hogan, they were booing Lolley. Hogan is excellent!
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With Bruno now in the team a lot of Utd players have got to up there game. I can only see Rashford that will be up there with him Martial has done nothing since Rashford out this will show his true value but I think he will go in summer transfer spree he is not a Utd player he is lazy.
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TO OUR OWNERS/ CHAIRMAN – OR WHATEVER YOU ARE. PLEASE GET OUT OF OUR CLUB !!!!
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I think fa need to scrap only one cup replay. If it went back to old way, managers would play a first team, knowing it could go to 4, 5 games.
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WANTED: new set of wheels for football club! Current ones are falling off! Contact West Bromwich Albion fc. Ha ha ha.