Israel Folau registered by QRL after Catalans Dragons released him from his contract

Israel Folau could line-up for Southport Tigers this weekend after the QRL cleared the controversial cross-code star.

Controversial cross-code star Israel Folau will be free to make his Australian rugby league return this weekend after the Queensland Rugby League cleared his application on Tuesday afternoon.

The QRL has confirmed Folau has been registered to play for the Southport Tigers in the Rugby League Gold Coast competition which would allow him to play in this weekend’s round.

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The move comes after Catalans Dragons released him from his current contract.

The 32-year-old was forced to take legal action against the Queensland Rugby League to play for Southport Tigers.

The QRL initially rejected Folau’s application to play in Queensland because they did not receive confirmation he had been released from his existing playing contract with the Dragons.

“As previously stated, the QRL Board has carefully considered all aspects of the registration

request, in line with its current rules and processes,” the QRL said in a statement.

Catalans Dragons have released Israel Folau from his contract. Picture: AFP

“The QRL made clear from the outset that Mr Folau would be registered upon completion of

the registration process, including the obtaining of a release from his previous overseas

club, as per the rules of the game which apply to all players.

“This has today been forthcoming with authorisation from the game’s international body,

meaning the QRL has now been able to finalise his registration with the Southport Tigers.”

Clive Palmer – who has been leading the campaign for Folau’s return – welcomed the decision from the Dragons to release the former NRL star from his current contract.

“Israel remains one of the best players in Queensland and Australia and his absence from the game has been too long,” Palmer said.

Israel Folau could play for Southport this weekend. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“All he wants to do is play with his brothers and enjoy the game he loves.

“He only wants to participate in the greatest game of all.”

In a statement from Catalans Dragons, chairman Bernard Guasch wished Folau the best for his future.

“Israel has been great with us in 2020 both on and off the field and we wanted to facilitate the negotiations to reach an agreement,” Guasch said.

“He told us his desire to play alongside his two brothers and we didn’t want to prevent him.

“We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”