Daily Telegraph readers back Israel Folau’s rugby league return
Israel Folau’s rugby league comeback hasn’t been confirmed yet but Daily Telegraph readers have voted overwhelmingly in support of the former Wallaby, despite an NRL bid to block his return to the game.
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The fans have spoken — let Israel Folau back playing rugby league for Tonga.
A groundswell of support emerged for Tonga to be granted approval allowing Folau to play Test matches against Great Britain Lions on October 26 and Australia on November 2.
The Tongan National Rugby League has registered Folau however the Rugby League International Federation board will determine his fate during a phone hook-up at 4pm on Thursday.
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NRL officials are seeking to block Folau’s return after the dual international was sacked by Rugby Australia for posting homophobic comments on his Instagram page back in May.
RLIF deputy chairman Peter Beattie is expected to personally oppose Folau’s comeback, as is NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, also a board member. Beattie was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
Tonga still hasn’t lodged an official application for Folau to play with the RLIF. Internal dramas between Tongan board members and players could lead to RLIF questioning the nation’s ability to field a team in the Oceania Cup.
Greenberg and Beattie may be shocked at the result of an exclusive Daily Telegraph poll where a staggering 83 per cent of respondents voted for Folau’s return to rugby league with Tonga.
The poll attracted more than 3000 votes with accompanying online comments strong in support of Folau.
“I tell you what it would do — bring a damn lot of interest to international rugby league and Tonga,” said former Australian hooker, Ben Elias. “Why? Because it’s Israel Folau — two words. The interest would be enormous from all walks of life and all walks of sport to watch this bloke play.”
Former Wallaby and Balmain Tigers coach Alan Jones supported Folau’s return.
“He must be some sort of criminal,” Jones told his 2GB listeners. “I just thought he was Christian. My God, they go after him.
“We’re told the NRL is now trying to block the move, everyone is trying to block him playing. What is going on here? Unbelievable.
“Every man and his dog in any area of rugby league administration are trying to stop it from happening. You can’t believe it, can you?
“Any person in any form of administration is trying to stop him playing. He must be some kind of criminal, is he? What has Israel done except profess his Christian faith?”
Former Australian forward David Gillespie added: “Let him play. It would be great for international rugby league. He still has a lot to offer. Why not? Bring him back.”
Prime Minister and rugby league fan Scott Morrison even entered the Folau debate but wouldn’t tip to the NRL.
“I (will) leave the NRL’s management to the NRL. I don’t pretend to give them any advice, other than the odd courteous suggestion for the Prime Minister’s XIII, which will be up playing in Fiji in a little while,” Morrison said.
“I don’t think it needs my input frankly.”
Tongan officials issued a media statement on Monday afternoon incorrectly stating Folau’s return had been formally sanctioned by the RLIF.
An RLIF statement issued Monday night read: “The Rugby League International Federation is aware of a media release issued by Tonga National Rugby League stating that Israel Folau has been ‘approved’ by the RLIF to represent Tonga in international matches.”
English star Sam Burgess wouldn’t be drawn on the Folau issue.
“Not going near it,” Burgess said.
Originally published as Daily Telegraph readers back Israel Folau’s rugby league return