Disgraced Australian rugby star Israel Folau is reportedly about to make an NRL comeback.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, St George Illawarra Dragons have formally applied to the NRL to allow the dual international to return to the sport on a two-year deal.
In late 2019, Folau's controversial public stance on homosexuality stemming from his religious beliefs saw his contract terminated by Rugby Australia.
The two sides eventually reached a settlement, after Folau sued the governing body for alleged religious discrimination.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys has been adamant that the NRL would open the door for Folau to return to rugby league, where he began his professional sporting career.
But the NRL will consider the Dragons' application and review their proposal, says SMH.
The Dragons board has approved the move to lure the former Wallabies and Kangaroos representative to the club.
"We are always on the lookout for great players," chief executive Ryan Webb tells SMH.
"We have enquired with the NRL about Israel and we will work with them to hopefully see him join us in 2021.
"We understand there will be a range of opinions in regards to this decision, but we believe he would be a good addition to our club."
Last year, Folau signed a one-year deal with Catalans Dragons in the UK Super League, but only played a handful of games for the French club, before returning to Sydney to be with wife - Silver Ferns great Maria Folau - for the birth of their first child.
The Dragons board has approved the move to lure the former Wallabies and Kangaroos representative to the club.
"We are always on the lookout for great players," chief executive Ryan Webb tells SMH.
"We have enquired with the NRL about Israel and we will work with them to hopefully see him join us in 2021.
"We understand there will be a range of opinions in regards to this decision, but we believe he would be a good addition to our club."
NR chief executive Andrew Abdo says it will ensure all fan and sponsor views are heard, before it does its "due diligence" regarding his potential return.
"Any player or official needs to be registered with the NRL. That registration process involves a number of due diligence matters," Abdo says.
"Of course, you always have to have an open mind and you have to follow due process and you have to be fair and we'll follow that process.
"Any decision that you make, you need to think about the fans, you need to think about your investors and sponsors and all of that will be taken into account. But ultimately it's the NRL's decision.
"What we intend to do is follow the process that is outlined in our rules and regulations and be very fair."
Last year, Folau signed a one-year deal with the Catalans Dragons in the UK Super League, but only played a handful of games before returning to Sydney to be with wife - Silver Ferns great Maria Folau - for the birth of their first child.
He's still contracted to the French club for the 2021 season.
In April 2019, the devout mormon Folau caused a storm, when he posted on Instagram that "Hell awaits" homosexuals and other sinners.
“Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators – Hell awaits you," said the image he shared.
He refused to apologise for his comments, and was promptly stood down by the NSW Waratahs.
