Israel Folau is taking legal action against the QRL

Israel Folau is headed back to the courts as he prepares to fight the Queensland Rugby League for the right to play for the Southport Tigers.

Israel Folau with Clive Palmer in Brisbane last week. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Israel Folau is headed back to the courts. The dual international on Thursday afternoon launched legal action against the Queensland Rugby League and their individual board members, claiming they were seeking to destroy his professional aspirations because they were delaying his registration until they received a clearance from his former club Catalans.

“All Israel Folau wants to do is play football and be treated like any other person,’’ his lawyer Sam Iskander said.

“His application for registration with the QRL is being dealt with differently to anyone else who has ever sought registration for the Southport Tigers.

“Mr Folau’s now repudiated contract agreement with Catalans has nothing to do with the QRL. The QRL is not a party to it and has no rights under it.

“Likewise, the QRL has no right to discriminate against a player or seek to disadvantage such a player. Never before have we seen a QRL condition put on a player where the player has to give up representative honours and selection.

“They are also seeking a condition that my client can only play for the Southport Tigers. The QRL is effectively seeking to destroy Israel’s professional aspirations.

“Why is this being done to Israel Folau?”

Iskander harked back to a statement made by former ARL Commission chair Peter Beattie in April 2019 that the league‘s decision on Folau ’remains the same’ and ‘we are an inclusive game with a respect for all’.

“The QRL is imposing conditions on Israel’s registration restricting him from eligibility as a player in the future – how is that inclusive?” Iskander said.

“Israel Folau was quoting the words from bible; he is a deeply religious man. Peter Beattie criticised Israel for being a Christian. Christians have been unfairly criticised throughout history.

“We do not understand why Israel is being treated differently to any other player seeking registration in the QRL by placing conditions on him which have not been placed on any other player seeking registration from the Southport Tigers.

“We can only conclude it is because of his religious beliefs. Israel is seeking the right to claim damages from the QRL, its Board members and any other person who has discriminated against him by denying him lawful rights.”

Under the game’s registration rules, the QRL is unable to register a contract for Folau until they have a clearance from Catalans.

Catalans believe their contract with Folau remains in place. They have indicted they would be happy to speak to Palmer and Folau about a release, but are likely to insist on some financial renumeration.

The QRL are hamstrung. Folau and Palmer don’t see it that way. Iskander said the action against the QRL would also include individuals of the QRL board who cause his client losses, who would be pursued separately through the courts.

“Israel Folau loves his wife and son, he doesn’t do drugs, drink or smoke,” Iskander said.

“He hasn’t been subject to any criminal offences; he hasn’t assaulted any women. He doesn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. Why then is Israel being discriminated against when has never transgressed.

“He has a release from his former club the Brisbane Broncos and needs to be on the field this weekend. My client’s instructions are clear. No matter how long or whatever the cost, he will receive justice and freedom to practice his religious beliefs.

“He simply is the best rugby player in the world. The QRL must be brought to account for their jealousy and misguided understanding of their obligations. All my client seeks is to be dealt fairly like any other player from the Southport Tigers without any reference to the QRL Board.

“I will seek confirmation from the QRL lawyers to accept service on behalf of the QRL and each of its Board members.”