Folau considering legal action against ARLC over blocked comeback

Israel Folau’s legal team is considering taking court action against the Australian Rugby League Commission for restraint of trade.

The move follows accusations from both Folau and wife Maria on social media that the ARLC blocked the 37-year-old dual international from joining the Wests Tigers.

Nine.com.au revealed earlier this month that Tigers coach Benji Marshall had been in contact with the former Broncos and Storm star and was hoping to sign him before the June 30 deadline.

“The Tigers were keen… we were keen, but the move was blocked, allegedly because of Israel’s strong religious views,” a source close to Folau told Nine.com.au.

“Our last recourse is legal action for restraint of trade and it is something we are looking into.”

Maria Folau posted a video on social media on Thursday accusing the league of double standards after the initial positive response from the Tigers.

She declared ARL commissioner Wayne Pearce told Folau he would not be allowed back to league following a successful recent stint in Japanese rugby union.

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“His reasoning behind not wanting Izzy to play is because of inclusiveness, whatever that means, and then also that it would be a bad look to have Izzy back in the game,” she said.

“Then an associate of ours got in contact with Wayne Pierce by text, and it was the same thing - that Izzy wasn’t welcome to play.

“We were told by Benji that he was still keen to have Izzy back on board and that he (was) gonna try and get a contract lodged, and that the (Tigers) board were meeting on Sunday to talk about the situation.

“So we’ve just got back from Tonga and we’ve been told that the Tigers are no longer going to lodge a contract because of the media pressure.

“There’d be a distraction for the club and then also pressure from elsewhere. It’s very unfortunate that the Tigers have changed their mind.”

Israel Folau then commented: “The double standard from the @nrl is crazy. The game talks about inclusion, yet my Christian beliefs were said to be a problem and didn’t align with their values.

“At the same time, players who’ve committed actual offences have been welcomed back. Make it make sense.”

Nine.com.au has reached out to the ARLC and NRL for comment.