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Gold Coast Titans detail their stance on a return to rugby league for Israel Folau and if they will pursue him

Israel Folau is on the open market and the Gold Coast Titans have revealed whether or not they are interested in signing the controversial figure.

TITANS hierarchy have moved to distance themselves from Israel Folau, declaring they have no interest in pursuing the controversial football figure.

Folau is officially on the open market after finalising an out-of-court settlement with Rugby Australia who tore up his contract following his religious-driven social media posts.

Gold Coast could have room in the salary cap to chase the 30-year-old if current forward Jai Arrow takes up an offer from Souths Sydney reportedly worth $4 million.

But in a statement from club officials the Titans strongly denied any interest in the dual-international.

Former Australian professional rugby league player Israel Folau leaves the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne Monday, December 2, 2019. (AAP Image/David Crosling)
Former Australian professional rugby league player Israel Folau leaves the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne Monday, December 2, 2019. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

“The Gold Coast Titans have a number of other recruitment priorities at the current time, and as such have no interest in signing Israel Folau,” the statement read.

Asked if Folau deserved another chance in the NRL, a high-ranking Titans official said it was a whole-of-game issue and not one for the club to comment on.

Arrow is yet to receive an official offer from Souths and the Titans are waiting on the figure in the proposed deal to come through before deciding if they can match it or improve theirs.

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The Titans have had initial discussions with Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell but are yet to submit an offer for him.

The movements of both players could be changed if any NRL clubs decide to make a play for Folau despite new ARLC chairman Peter V’landys saying he would veto any campaign to bring him back to rugby league.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-titans-detail-their-stance-on-a-return-to-rugby-league-for-israel-folau-and-if-they-will-pursue-him/news-story/e12998cfbb58413af678eaed1a577db6