‘Israel Folau is a perfect role model for the game” – cross-code star’s lawyer set for court injunction

Israel Folau is seeking a supreme court injunction against the Queensland Rugby League in his attempts to return to the playing field for Southport Tigers.

Folau remains contracted to Catalans Dragons after he returned to the sport following his sacking by Rugby Australia, but the QRL decided it wouldn’t accept Folau’s registration until the French club gave them clearance.

If that clearance is given – which looks increasingly unlikely – Folau would only be allowed to play at a community-level standard. And, even then, the cross-code star would have to meet the QRL’s code of conduct – something which seems also highly improbably given that the governing body outlined that Folau’s social media posts are not in line with their beliefs.

That has prompted Folau and his lawyers to go to court, as they claim that the QRL are blocking his trade. If successful, Folau could play for the Tigers next weekend.

“Israel Folau is a perfect role model for the game and the QRL needs to recognise that,” his lawyer, Sam Iskander, said.

“Israel doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He never been charged with any criminal offence.

“He loves his wife and his son. He has a rugby playing record second to none. Israel, like any other Australian, has the right to support his family.”