St George Illawarra bid for Folau captures mood at club

Only Israel Folau could turn the news of the Dragons’ skipper departing the club from a headline to a footnote.

Israel Folau during his stint at Catalan Dragons kept his head down and mouth shut Picture: Getty Images

What a day to be a Dragons supporter. It began with captain Cameron McInnes confirming his departure at season’s end and culminated in revelations that St George Illawarra were knee-deep in negotiations with Israel Folau, intent on luring the dual international back to the NRL.

McInnes started out a headline and finished up a footnote. St George Illawarra fans no doubt rolled their eyes, overcome by deja vu as they digested another day when drama enveloped their club.

The shenanigans smacked of equal parts daring and desperation. Even the Dragons own major sponsor St George Bank seemed reluctant to endorse the move for Folau, a footballer who polarises like few others.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys kept his powder dry, but his thoughts on Folau were made crystal clear some time ago. Then, he made it clear there was no place for Folau in rugby league.

It would take a backflip of Olympic proportions for the NRL to rubberstamp his contract. No doubt, it would take some explaining as well. The backlash would be immense if Tuesday was any indication.

Folau remains a polarising figure. It has been nearly two years since he posted homophobic commentary on social media but the comments will resonate. Some will never forget. This leopard they will tell you, will never change his spots.

Most clubs ran a mile when contacted by representatives acting on Folau’s behalf. Brisbane, one of his former clubs, were among them. The Broncos have enough on their plate after last season’s bitter disappointment. Folau, for all his talent, wasn’t worth the trouble.

The Dragons have taken a chance that has the potential to divide their notoriously rabid fan base. Folau is only 31 and spent last season at Catalans in the south of France. On foreign soil, he held his own and bit his tongue.

He agreed to strict conditions upon signing with Catalans and agreed to do the same as part of his talks with St George Illawarra. Some would have you believe that is enough. If the NRL blocks his return, they will tell you that Folau could push the matter through the courts.

The NRL has had its share of legal battles in recent years but you get the sense they would take Folau on if it came to that. Plenty of water has to pass under the bridge before then.

Rugby league has been a slow burn over Christmas. Player behaviour was as challenging as ever. Yet player movement was largely stagnant. That changed on Tuesday.

McInnes was the catalyst as he chose the Sharks. Talk was that the Wests Tigers had tabled a big bid for McInnes but that was shot down by their chief executive Justin Pascoe.

“It doesn’t mean that when we meet with a player we pursue it any further,” he said. “He is an outstanding person and quality player but our belief is that we have Jacob Liddle and Jake Simpkin and we are putting out faith in them.
“There was never an offer made to Cameron McInnes.” Emails have been circulated calling for clubs to make their best offers for Melbourne star Jahrome Hughes, Parramatta powerhouse Maika Sivo and Cowboys utility Scott Drinkwater. Summer is coming to an end but the heat is on.

Then there is Folau. His future leaves the rest in the shade. The Dragons have had their challenges in recent times. Folau may help them get back to where they want to be. Some hurdles need to be cleared first. They may yet prove insurmountable.