Former Super League star tipped to join NRL club but they deny it

Israel Folau is being tipped to return to the NRL.

Folau made his name at the Melbourne Storm where he scored 36 tries in 52 games before joining the Brisbane Broncos where his strike record was even more impressive with 37 tries in 39 games for the State of Origin winner with Queensland who also represented Australia.

In 2011 he spent time playing Australian Riles before in 2013 he left rugby league for rugby union joining New South Wales Waratahs playing 73 times for Australia.

Then came 2020 and a return to rugby league with Catalans Dragons in Super League helping the club finish fourth after he made some statements about same-sex marriage prompting him to leave rugby union.

He only stayed at Catalans for one year but now could be headed back to the NRL.

The versatile outside back has moved to Redcliffe, the home of the NRL’s newest club the Dolphins under the guide of former England boss Wayne Bennett and assistant former St Helens boss Kristian Woolf.

This rumour comes from Zerotackle but the club themselves have denied any claims that Folau will be joining their regime.

Club chairman Terry Reader said the club have not spoken to Folau or his management.

“I’m not surprised Israel might be building a house in Redcliffe.

“As some of our new signings have already found out, it is a great place to live, only 20 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.

“However, the Dolphins have not spoken to Israel or his management and he is not in our plans.”