Israel Folau set to launch a path back into rugby league

Israel Folau is set to announce his rugby league comeback plan alongside controversial Queensland MP Clive Palmer, according to Fox Sports.

Courier Mail reporter Travis Meyn tweeted “Israel Folau formally applies to make a rugby league return in the local Gold Coast competition”.

Folau – a one-time Maroons Origin superstar before leaving rugby league to play AFL and then rugby – has been trying to return to the NRL in recent months after a short hiatus playing for the Catalans Dragons in Super League.

The Dragons reportedly showed genuine interest before withdrawing that when it was obvious that the public and media would not get behind the move.

The NRL has previously said it will not allow Folau back in the game due to his homophobic views, and harmful messages he has previously posted on social media.

But they can’t definitively rule a line through him unless he lodges an application, but he appears to have now done that with the Queensland Rugby League.

BREAKING: Israel Folau formally applies to make a rugby league return in the local Gold Coast competition. He has the backing of Clive Palmer. #NRL #rugbyleague

— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) May 20, 2021