The St George Illawarra Dragons have withdrawn their interest in signing controversial footballer Israel Folau after they faced heavy backlash.
In a bombshell report, it was revealed that the Dragons had made a major move to recruit Folau back into the NRL.
The Dragons had reportedly begun to move forward with their plans to recruit Folau, who would most likely play in the centres if a contract was ratified.
The club unsurprisingly faced a wave of criticism, forcing the Dragons to quickly backtrack on their decision.
“While the Dragons did enquire about signing Folau, the club can confirm that such discussions have now ceased,” the club confirmed in a statement.
According to NewsCorp, the 31-year-old’s return to the NRL has hit a brick wall, but he reportedly eager to explore other opportunities within the league.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys has previously said Folau’s views on homosexuality were not welcome in the NRL.
“The game is inclusive. Israel’s comments are not inclusive,” V’landys said in October 2019.
“When I was a kid and kids used to get bashed up because they were different, I used to go and defend them. And a lot of them, it’s because their role models or their peers made them that way.
“I have no tolerance for people that put other people’s lives (at risk) or (who commit) violence. It’s a big statement to make. With due respect to Israel, what he says, young kids listen to. He is a role model. They act on it. And when you’re a kid at school and you get bashed up because you’re different, I don’t think that’s a good thing.”
