- Joined
- Oct 1, 2013
- Messages
- 17,736
- Reaction score
- 31,795
Israel Folau is reportedly seeking a return to the NRL by offering unprecedented vetting of his social media activity.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Folau is aiming to return to the NRL, but it could come at the cost of his religious convictions.
In a bid to save his rugby career, Folau offered Rugby Australia the chance to view all his future religious social media posts before publication, but he was ultimately sacked and lost his $5 million, four-year contract.
It is understood Folau would offer the same concessions to the NRL if it changes its stance and allows him to return to the game in which he made his name.
However the NRL is maintaining a hard line stance and Folau would not be considered for registration while his controversial Instagram post on homosexuals and other sinners remains posted to his social media accounts.
Former rugby league player Jimmy Smith believes it would take a backflip from the NRL to get Folau back in the 13 man game.
“He tested the waters oversees and got a luke warm response,” Smith told Bill and Boz.
“It would be a massive backflip from Chairman Peter Beattie, who outright has said he will not be welcome in the NRL”
Beattie has twice publicly denied the NRL would consider an offer from Folau to return to the game.
“Israel Folau doesn’t pass our inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC,’’ Beattie said.
“And after talking to some commissioners, we don’t support him playing rugby league again.’’
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has had a firm stance on players and their use of social media in the past.
“All our athletes have to be careful,” Greenberg said of Folau’s comments.
“There are young boys and girls who will read that (anti-homosexual posts) and find it hard to deal with because Israel has a large profile. That would not have been his intent, but it is very damaging to some people.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...l/news-story/113f08fdc4e846d3e5ebdc437cb0f1cf
The Daily Telegraph reported that Folau is aiming to return to the NRL, but it could come at the cost of his religious convictions.
In a bid to save his rugby career, Folau offered Rugby Australia the chance to view all his future religious social media posts before publication, but he was ultimately sacked and lost his $5 million, four-year contract.
It is understood Folau would offer the same concessions to the NRL if it changes its stance and allows him to return to the game in which he made his name.
However the NRL is maintaining a hard line stance and Folau would not be considered for registration while his controversial Instagram post on homosexuals and other sinners remains posted to his social media accounts.
Former rugby league player Jimmy Smith believes it would take a backflip from the NRL to get Folau back in the 13 man game.
“He tested the waters oversees and got a luke warm response,” Smith told Bill and Boz.
“It would be a massive backflip from Chairman Peter Beattie, who outright has said he will not be welcome in the NRL”
Beattie has twice publicly denied the NRL would consider an offer from Folau to return to the game.
“Israel Folau doesn’t pass our inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC,’’ Beattie said.
“And after talking to some commissioners, we don’t support him playing rugby league again.’’
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has had a firm stance on players and their use of social media in the past.
“All our athletes have to be careful,” Greenberg said of Folau’s comments.
“There are young boys and girls who will read that (anti-homosexual posts) and find it hard to deal with because Israel has a large profile. That would not have been his intent, but it is very damaging to some people.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...l/news-story/113f08fdc4e846d3e5ebdc437cb0f1cf
