Israel Folau has not been given approval to make his rugby league return for Southport.
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) released a statement saying they had not received confirmation that Folau has been released from his existing playing contract with his overseas club, the Catalan Dragons.
The QRL said it “cannot proceed with any registration approval until such time as the clearance is received”.
However, it said that once international clearance had been given, Folau will be granted permission to play at community rugby league level, as per his request, “and no higher”.
Folau was unveiled as the latest signing for the Southport Tigers, who play in the local Gold Coast competition, by Clive Palmer on Friday.
Palmer said there was “no legal basis” to stop Folau from playing with the Tigers and that he had hoped the QRL would register Israel “in accordance with the law”.
Controversial businessman Palmer threatened legal action if he was not registered.
The QRL though, said it was “astounded that public commentary has included threats of protracted legal action should registration [for Folau] not be granted”.
More to come.
