Folau ‘to be treated like any other person’

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has left the door ajar for Israel Folau, saying the governing body will “consider” any application for him to return to the NRL.

The push for Folau (pictured) to be given a second chance has gathered momentum after three captains, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt and Alex Glenn, on Friday urged V’landys to resurrect the dual international’s NRL career.

Folau, who was overlooked for Catalans Dragons’ squad for this year’s Super League, has been shopped to the Broncos, who insist they have made no formal approach.

St George Illawarra held talks with the most polarising figure in Australian sport last month, only to withdraw interest when news of its pursuit sparked a backlash.

Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for homophobic comments, but subsequently received an estimated $4 million payout and, at 31, the former Bronco hasn’t given up hope of a return to the NRL.

The litmus test will come if an NRL club makes a formal application to the ARL Commission for Folau’s reinstatement in coming weeks.

V’landys said the ARLC will not make a definitive assessment until approached by an NRL club.

“If some NRL club wants to put an application in for Israel Folau, that’s when the questions (of him playing NRL again) will be really answered,” he said.

“I don’t know if we can say for sure he will be registered because no NRL club has submitted an application for him to be considered.

“At the moment, it’s hypothetical until (an NRL club) comes forward. Israel Folau will be given every opportunity like any other person.’’