Israel Folau is ready to take the QRL to court

Israel Folau is ready to take the Queensland Rugby League to the Federal court if they refuse to register his contract with Southport

Israel Folau at a media conference to announce his return to rugby league Picture: NCA NewsWire

Israel Folau will take the Queensland Rugby League to the federal court if it has not registered his contract with the Southport Tigers by Wednesday, according to his billionaire backer Clive Palmer.

Palmer, who is personally financing Folau’s return in the Gold Coast A grade competition to the tune of $250,000 through his company Mineralogy, released a statement on Sunday afternoon also warning that the failure to register Folau would lead to a mass boycott of QRL sponsors.

The QRL has taken legal advice on the Folau situation and wants to speak to the dual international before it registers his deal. It is understood they are ready to appoint an independent committee to speak to Folau to gain a greater understanding of his motives for returning.

Palmer has vowed to back Folau with every dollar in his billion-dollar armoury and he has warned the QRL they need to act or face court action as early as this week.

“Israel Folau is a perfect role model for the game and the QRL needs to recognise that,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“Israel doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He has never been charged with a criminal offence. He loves his wife and his son. He has a rugby playing record second to none.

“If he is not registered by Wednesday, I believe he will issue an injunction in the Federal Court of Australia against the QRL for their discrimination against him on religious grounds.

“I believe he will seek orders requiring the QRL to register him so he can play for the Southport Tigers against the Burleigh Bears.

“Israel, like any other Australian, has the right to support his family. He simply is the best rugby player in the world and regardless of the jealously some of the QRL members may have or their misguided understanding of their obligations, he will be registered.

“The administration of rugby league in this state needs a shake-up. It is about time the powers that be realised the game is about the fans and players.

“He needs to be registered immediately so he can just play the game.”

Folau hasn’t played rugby league since walking out on Super League club Catalans at the end of last season. Catalans over the weekend threatened to take legal action against Folau should he attempt a comeback without their blessing.

Palmer insisted at a press conference on Friday that Folau’s deal with Catalans had been rendered null and void. However, the QRL is concerned that the contract is still valid and Folau has not been released by the French club.

The issue is set to come to a head this week and the QRL is likely to seek the backing of the NRL and the ARL Commission given the sensitivity of the matter.

The NRL and ARL Commission have distanced themselves from the issue but the QRL can ill-afford an expensive court fight unless they have the financial support of the NRL and ARL Commission.