As the State of Origin gets underway on Wednesday, there will be one famous face in the crowd: Israel Folau.
That is despite the cross-code star’s hearing at the Queensland Supreme Court – in his bid to return to the game – taking place just hours before.
Folau is seeking an injunction against the Queensland Rugby League to play for the Southport Tigers, but will not be in court.
Instead, he will be attending the Series opener after travelling there on billionaire backer Clive Palmer’s private jet, the Sydney Morning Herald has revealed.
Palmer has been at the centre of the case, throwing both financial and emotional support behind Folau’s bid to return to the third-tier Gold Coast competition.
The QRL will spend at least $50,000 in its defence, though this could increase if the case goes further.
