NRL boss Andrew Abdo insists they have not taken soft option with Israel Folau
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says insists have not taken soft option by leaving the Queensland Rugby League to make a call on Israel Folau
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has hit out suggestions that the governing body has left the Queensland Rugby League to fend for themselves in the stoush over Israel Folau.
Abdo, speaking at the launch of Indigenous Round at Rugby League Central on Tuesday morning, insisted the Folau situation was at arm’s length to the NRL because the dual international was attempting to be registered in a QRL competition.
However, he said he had offered the QRL his support and denied the NRL had taken the soft option by leaving a decision on Folau to QRL chair Bruce Hatcher and chief executive Rob Moore.
“Of course we are in constant dialogue with them, of course we will offer them support,” Abdo said.
“But they have the matter in hand and will deal with it as they choose best. This is not a cop-out from the NRL.
“There are multiple examples of players that have been deregistered or not registered to play in the NRL, playing in those competitions.
“Israel Folau is no different to another player who has played in that competition but didn’t have an NRL contract.
“The NRL’s jurisdiction is to govern the NRL competition. If a club presents a contract for Israel Folau – an NRL club – then that is a matter for us to determine.
“The way the rugby league governance framework is set up, the QRL run their competitions and the NSW Rugby League run their competitions.
“It is not appropriate for us to influence the decision making of the QRL around the jurisdiction of players.”
Folau’s return is being backed by billionaire businessman Clive Palmer, who has threatened to take the QRL to Federal Court as early as Wednesday unless they register his contract to play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast A grade competition.
Folau is training with the Tigers, although he is yet to be given the green light to take to the field. There are several strands to unravel.
Significantly, Super League side Catalans insist they still have a contract on foot with Folau – Palmer insists they repudiated that deal.
The QRL is also keen to sit down with Folau before they agree to allow him to return to the game. It is understood Folau is unlikely to agree to a meeting because he and Palmer believe he should be treated no different to any other player.
In many respects, the NRL’s decision to maintain their distance is motivated by the same feeling.
“There are over 600 players that play in the Queensland competition,” Abdo said.
“We don’t have oversight over who plays and who doesn’t. Why would we make an exception for him? Why does he want an exception?
“I have spoken to Rob Moore and said we will provide whatever support and resources you may need. The QRL feel they have the matter in hand and haven’t requested that support.
“That is not the soft option. We haven’t taken an option because we won’t have anything to adjudicate on.”
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