Folau set for shock NRL return
AUCKLAND: Controversial crosscode star Israel Folau is on the verge of an NRL comeback.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, St George Illawarra has formally approached the NRL in the hope of signing the former Wallaby on a twoyear deal.
Although NRL boss Peter V’landys has previously said the door was shut to Folau, the NRL has indicated its intention to review the proposal before making a decision.
When V’landys was appointed as chairman of the commission, he said Folau’s views did not align with those of the game.
‘‘The game is inclusive. Israel’s comments are not inclusive,’’ V’landys said at the time.
But St George Illawarra chief executive Ryan Webb confirmed the club was in the process of luring Folau to the Dragons.
‘‘We are always on the lookout for great players,’’ Webb said.
‘‘We have inquired with the NRL about Israel and we will work with them to hopefully see him join us in 2021.
‘‘We understand there will be a range of opinions in regards to this decision, but we believe he would be a good addition to our club.’’
Earlier this year, Folau was linked with a move back to rugby union, following his split with Australian Rugby in 2019 after he repeatedly posted what were perceived as homophobic religious memes to social media platforms.
He was fired and then took Rugby Australia to court and settled on a multimilliondollar payout.
Folau was set to finish his Catalan Dragons contract in the Super League this year but returned home after the birth of his first child. — The New Zealand Herald