Controversial code-hopper Israel Folau is hoping to make a rugby league return via the Gold Coast’s local A-grade competition – and he has the backing of a billionaire and former politician, the maligned Clive Palmer.
Palmer this week sent a letter to the Queensland Rugby League urging the governing body to support any application for the former Kangaroos, Maroons and Wallabies superstar to play for the Southport Tigers.
Palmer and Folau are set to front a press conference at the Hilton Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday morning to outline their plans, the first step in what many expect is a renewed push to return to the NRL.
It is believed that Palmer has long supported Southport and played junior footy with the club.
Folau’s Rugby Australia contract with the Wallabies and Waratahs was torn up in 2019 when a homophobic social media post triggered uproar, and his next venture saw him turn out with Catalans in the Super League last year.
The former GWS Giants experiment returned to Australia late last year and has remained in Brisbane ever since, attempting to return to the NRL with St George Illawarra and then via the Queensland Cup.
The Dragons ceased their pursuit of Folau amid backlash from sponsors and fans, before the QRL followed on the back of criticism from corporates. Palmer is a rich man and has clearly decided to champion Folau’s comeback bid.
“We have received a letter to the QRL,” said QRL chair Bruce Hatcher.
“The process has started with the south-east region, who look after Ipswich, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba. They will go through their process.
“We haven’t received anything official yet. When we do, we will have to go through due process and I would suggest it would have to be fairly detailed because we would have to do it in accordance with our rules and our procedures.”
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