Israel Folau could be set for a return to the NRL with Dragons

While Peter V’landys has previously indicated that Folau would not be welcome back, the Dragons are keen to sign him for 2021.

Israel Folau, in action for Catalan Dragons, could be on his way back to the NRL

Israel Folau has agreed to adhere to strict provisions around his social media use as part of a potential return to the NRL with St George Illawarra. Even then, clauses embedded in his proposed contract, may not be enough.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo left the door ajar for Folau on Tuesday but in the corridors of Rugby League Central, there appears little appetite to countenance his return.

The NRL and ARL Commission will allow the process to play out, wary of Folau’s right to receive due process and the legal ramifications if he was rejected without being given the chance to present his case.

But it would take a backflip of monumental proportions for the code to welcome Folau back given the acrimonious way he exited Australian sport nearly two years ago.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys and his predecessor Peter Beattie both spoke openly of their antipathy for Folau and the homophobic comments he made on social media, the precursor to his parting of ways with rugby union and eventual exit to France.

The commission has a meeting scheduled for Thursday where they are due to finalise their finances for last season. The game fared better than expected despite handing out more money than ever to clubs, but their largesse is not expected to extend to Folau and his future.

V’landys has the overwhelming support of his fellow commissioners and his stance will be pivotal. Folau seemed ensconced at Catalans but returned home when his mother-in-law became ill.

He now appears reluctant to return to France, even though he has another year on his deal and rugby union clubs circling.

Instead, he has his heart set on a return to the NRL and St George Illawarra have laid out the welcome mat, having conducted talks over a number of weeks with Folau about his future.

Coach Anthony Griffin originally met Folau in Brisbane over the Christmas period – the pair were at Brisbane together in 2010 when Griffin was assistant coach to Ivan Henjak and Folau was one of the NRL’s superstars.

Griffin planted the seed and chief executive Ryan Webb subsequently conducted much of the negotiations from afar, in conjunction with the head coach and head of football Ben Haran.

Webb spoke to his board and key sponsors as he sought to gauge their reaction to the prospect of signing Folau. The reaction was largely positive, although major sponsor St George Bank was measured in their response to the shock developments.

“The selection of players is the responsibility of the St George Illawarra Dragons and the NRL,” a St George Bank spokeswoman said.

“St George Bank plays no role in the selection of players and we don’t comment on individuals. As a long-term sponsor of both the men and women’s team, and a bank which has operated in the same areas and communities as the team’s fans, we understand the passion people have for the team, and the positive role that the team can play in the community.

“As a major employer with a large customer base, St George Bank upholds an inclusive environment that does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity or sexuality.”

Webb also contacted NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo as he sought the approval of the governing body, the matter then passed onto V’landys.

“We have asked the NRL to give us a position on whether they would register a contract or Israel Folau,” Webb said.

“Although we don’t agree with the statements he made and think they were not in the spirit of the game or our club, 18 months have passed and in discussions with him – both from him committing to keep those things quiet and contractually he will sign something to ensure he does – I think between those two things he should be allowed another crack at the game.”

Rugby Australia refused to comment on the matter, no doubt because of concerns that their legal agreement with Folau in 2019 precludes them from doing so.

But although there is widespread agreement that he became one of the Wallabies’ great fullbacks between 2013-19, there is no appetite to welcome him back to rugby.

Their view appears to be mirrored in rugby league, although Abdo refused to rule out his return on Tuesday as he fronted the media following a joint Kayo-Telstra event in Sydney on Tuesday.

“The NRL is one of the best sporting competitions in the world, we want to attract the best athletes in the world, and I’m not surprised there’s interest from athletes wanting to play in our competition,” Abdo said.

“At the moment there’s nothing before the NRL or the ARLC to consider. If there’s a formal application made, there’s a registration process and that due process will be followed and considered.”