St George make controversial move to bring Israel Folau back to the NRL

St George Illawarra have submitted an application to the NRL in the hope of signing Israel Folau on a two-year deal.

The Sydney Morning Herald can reveal the Dragons have formally approached the NRL about obtaining Folau’s services from 2021, with the governing body set to consider allowing the dual international to return.

Folau was set to play on in Super League in 2021 with the Catalans Dragons, but returned home at the end of the season for the birth of his child.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys previously indicated the door was all but shut on Folau to return to the sport after the controversy surrounding his religious beliefs during his time in rugby union.

However the NRL has recently indicated to the Dragons that it will consider the application and will not make a decision until they have reviewed the proposal and spoken to the relevant parties.