Catalans happy to welcome back Folau if NRL dream fails

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said he had spoken with Folau this week and told The Sun-Herald the dual international was always welcome back if his family situation improved and the NRL slammed the door shut on a comeback.

It has since become well known Folau’s mother-in-law fell ill before Christmas and being on the other side of the world during the COVID pandemic had placed extra pressure on his young family.

“One hundred per cent Izzy is always welcome to come back here,” McNamara said. “He still has a contract here. Given the severity of his family situation, we understand it might not be possible for him to come back. But we’ve been in constant dialogue with him – I spoke to him two days ago – so we’ll see.

“We’ll give him the time he needs. We’re not in as big rush at the moment.“”

Folau informed his teammates via WhatsApp he was not returning to France for family reasons and he remains on good terms with the players.

James Maloney revealed this week Folau still had what it takes to compete in the NRL, particularly when it comes to being an aerial threat. Maloney even suggested the backlash would impact on his market value, which would make him an even more attractive proposition for NRL clubs.

Catalans are set to officially announce the signing of Penrith centre Dean Whare, but his deal was brokered long before Folau returned home.

There had been reports Folau was keen to play rugby union in France or Japan, but those in his camp are maintaining he is only interested in playing in the NRL.

The three Queensland NRL clubs showed no initial interest in signing Folau, but time will tell if one of them has a change of heart. Folau spent time with the Broncos before he switched to the AFL and newcomers Greater Western Sydney in 2011.

Catalans boss Bernard Guasch confirmed this week his club would seek a transfer fee, believed to be about $200,000, if Folau did land a deal elsewhere in the coming months.

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Folau is desperate to finish his career in the NRL, but clubs have publicly claimed they have no interest in signing him.

Even trying to sneak back into the NRL via reserve grade could pose a problem with NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden saying: “When it comes to registrations that are contentious because a player has been deregistered or otherwise, our policy has always been to consult with the NRL prior to registering a contact. If the NRL raises any objections, we’ll always respect their view.”