1
Ex-Wallabies star Israel Folau set for two more legal battles upon return to Australian rugby league
By AAP
Mining magnate Clive Palmer says Israel Folau will take the Queensland Rugby League to the Federal Court if they don't approve the controversial code-hopper's registration by Wednesday.
Palmer's Mineralogy company is bankrolling Folau's proposed bid to play rugby league for the Southport Tigers in Gold Coast's A-Grade competition this year.
The 32-year-old the dual international, who had his contract terminated by Rugby Australia (RA) in 2019 after saying "hell awaits" gay people in a social media post, is hoping to play for the Tigers alongside brothers John and Eni in the third-tier competition.
Palmer has indicated he wants Folau to be on the field for Southport's clash against Burleigh Bears at Pizzey Park this Saturday.
The QRL has previously indicated it would consider Folau's application to be registered "in line with its rules and processes" but Palmer says he'll take legal action if the decision isn't made by the middle of this week.
"Israel doesn't drink, smoke or take drugs. He has never been charged with a criminal offence" Palmer said in a statement released late on Sunday.
"He loves his wife and his son. He has a rugby playing record second to none.
"If he is not registered by Wednesday, I believe he will issue an injunction in the Federal Court of Australia against the QRL for their discrimination against him on religious grounds."
Folau last played rugby league in Australia in 2010 before pursuing a short-lived AFL career with expansion club GWS and then a rugby union career which included 73 test appearances for Australia.
He returned to professional rugby league after reaching a legal settlement with RA following his sacking, joining Super League club Catalans in January 2020.
The France-based club have indicated they are considering legal action of their own in the wake of Folau's Southport announcement.
Catalans' football manager Alex Chan said they expected Folau to return at some stage during the year having granted him compassionate leave to deal with family matters in Australia.
Palmer has previously dismissed any suggestion Catalans have a case for compensation.
AAP has sought comment from the QRL.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
4
Fissler Confidential: Willie le Roux rumours ignite after Bok star spo
5
Latest Comments
Agree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to commentsKeep telling yourself that. The time for a fresh broom is at the beginning - not some "balanced, incremental" (i.e. status quo) transition. All teams establish the way forward at the beginning. This coaching group lacked ideas and courage and the players showed it on the pitch. Backs are only average. Forwards are unbalanced and show good set piece but no domination in traditional AB open play. Unfortunately, Foster - Mark 2. You may be happy with those performances and have some belief in some "cunning plan" but I don't see any evidence of it. Rassie is miles ahead and increasing the gap.
Go to comments