NRL 2021: Kevin Walters urges Israel Folau told to keep quiet in NRL bid

Kevin Walters and Alex Glenn have both backed Israel Folau’s right to return to the NRL – but the Broncos leaders said it comes with a stipulation of silence.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has thrown his support behind Israel Folau returning to the NRL but the controversial cross-code star has been urged to keep quiet if he wants to make a top-flight comeback.

Pending clearance from the Queensland Rugby League, Folau will make his return to the 13-man code in Australia with the Clive Palmer-backed Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast A-grade competition.

Folau’s appearance in park footy is thought to be a stepping stone towards a potential return to the NRL.

Folau, 32, last featured in the NRL for the Broncos in 2010 before embarking on a code-switching journey through the AFL and Super Rugby, becoming one of the world’s best rugby players.

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Israel Folau announces his return to rugby league at the Southport Tigers. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

He was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 following a series of social media posts relating to same-sex relationships. Folau received a sizeable payout from RA following legal action over his dismissal.

Earlier this year, the Broncos made informal inquiries about signing Folau before going cold on the exercise as the threat of a huge public backlash emerged.

Walters said he was supportive of Folau’s return to rugby league in Australia, but stopped short of rolling out the welcome mat at Red Hill.

“I’m fine with it, Israel deserves his right to play rugby league,” Walters said.

“I’m sure the team he is playing at will get the benefits of Israel and what he brings to a footy club.

“I have no problem with him playing in the NRL. Most people have their own opinions on it and that’s mine.

“Not at this stage (signing with the Broncos), he is probably a bit underdone for the NRL.”

Kevin Walters (second from left, second row) and Israel Folau (middle, back row) during the team shot for the Maroons in 2008. Picture: ImageTec

Folau played 91 NRL games, including 39 for the Broncos, on his way to becoming a Test and State of Origin star before joining AFL expansion club GWS.

Broncos captain Alex Glenn played with Folau in 2009 and said he had no issues with him returning to the game, but urged Folau to keep his opinions to himself.

“I don’t stand for what he said, but I believe he is an athlete and it’s good to see him back in rugby league. In saying that, I don’t condone what he said,” Glenn said.

“I’m OK with (him playing NRL again) as long as he keeps his beliefs to himself and he publicly doesn’t come out with it.

“Everyone has the right to their own opinions, I just don’t think we should be all over social media saying what’s right and wrong.

“We shouldn’t criticise what people choose in their life. That’s their choice. We need to keep our opinions off social media.

Alex Glenn, Israel Folau and Josh Hoffman at Red Hill together in 2010. Picture: David Kapernick

“I played with ‘Izzy’ in my first year in 2009 and he was a good dude. I don’t think too much has changed. I haven’t seen him, let alone spoken to him, in many years.

“His beliefs are very strong with religion nowadays compared to back then. But if we talk about the talent and athlete he is, he will be great for rugby league.

“It’s hard to say if he will fit in at the club or what he’s about. I’d like to sit down and have a couple of chats with him but I’m not the recruiting staff.”

The NRL is refusing to take a stance on Folau, insisting an NRL club would have to attempt to register a contract before they assess a possible return.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys said he will consider any application for the controversial code-hopper to return to the NRL.

“Israel will be given due process as any other player would,” V’landys said.

“Until an application is before us I can’t make a pre-judgment either way.

“At the moment, it’s all hypothetical because there is no application before us. A club has to lodge a contract and a player registration and no club has done that to date.

“That’s the way we do it for every other player and Israel will be treated exactly the same way.”