Israel Folau is reportedly eyeing a stunning return to the NRL.
2GB’s Spiro Christopoulos said on Tuesday morning that the 37-year-old code-hopper is looking to finish his professional career where it all started in rugby league.
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“I mentioned an exclusive story involving one of the most controversial, gifted and talked about figures in Australian sport, I can now reveal the identity of the athlete is Israel Folau – the former Wallaby, AFL and NRL superstar,” Christopoulos said on Ben Fordham Live.
“It’s my information today that he’s been shopped around to at least one club in the National Rugby League – that being the Wests Tigers.
“I’m told that Benji Marshall, the coach, has been approached by Israel Folau’s manager. There’s talk of a train and trial deal, which could be done as soon as the June 30 deadline.”
Israel Folau of the World XV looks on during the Killik Cup match between Barbarians and a World XV at Twickenham Stadium on May 28, 2023.Source: Getty Images
Folau has not played in the NRL since 2010 – when the former Melbourne Storm high flyer left the Brisbane Broncos to join new AFL team the GWS Giants as a marquee player.
Folau’s AFL career was brief as he managed just 13 games for the Giants in 2011 and 2012 before switching to rugby union with the NSW Waratahs.
The former Wallaby, who has since represented Tonga, made a brief return to rugby league with French club Catalans Dragons in 2020.
But he is currently playing rugby union in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks.