Israel Folau Only Allowed To Return To Australian Rugby League On One Condition

Israel Folau is one step closer to returning to Australian rugby league.

The controversial code-hopper has been given the green light to play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast, but only if he receives international clearance from his parent club.

That means Super League outfit the Catalan Dragons must release Folau from his current contract if he stands any chance of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) allowing him to compete.

But things are far from signed, sealed and delivered for Folau.

PA

So far, the Dragons have refused to play ball and aren't releasing the ex-Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos star from his deal - a move that will undoubtedly frustrate Folau.

"The QRL have not received confirmation that Folau is released from his existing playing contract, nor has he received a clearance from his last known registered overseas club," the QRL said in a statement.

"The QRL cannot proceed with any registration approval until such time as the clearance is received - this is in accordance with current national policy regarding international clearances playing at any level of the game.

"On receipt of international clearance, Folau will be granted permission to register for the Southport Tigers at a community rugby league level and no higher, as per the registration request that has been made.

"Any registration is subject to Folau confirming he has read and understood his obligations as a player under the QRL rules, the QRL Code of Conduct and the Community Rugby League terms and conditions NRL registration."

Those 'code of conduct rules' and 'player conditions' the QRL is referring to is a clear nod to Folau's past social media use.

The former Wallaby was infamously axed by Rugby Australia following a string of homophobic and highly-offensive posts online.

Now QRL have made an early indication that they won't stand for any bad behaviour from its players with regards to social media use - Folau included.

"The QRL acknowledge that previous social media comments made by Folau, whilst not a registered participant in rugby league at the time, do not align to the beliefs of the game, or the QRL," the QRL said.

"The QRL is an inclusive organisation with a proud diversity and inclusion framework."

Topics: Israel Folau, Rugby Australia, nrl news, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry