Israel Folau’s failed bid to return to the NRL has triggered a wave of support from current and former sporting stars, with several high-profile figures accusing the game of hypocrisy and double standards.
The 37-year-old dual international had been in discussions with the Wests Tigers about a train-and-trial deal after finishing his stint in Japanese rugby union.
But the proposed comeback collapsed amid claims from Folau and his wife Maria that influential figures within rugby league opposed the move because of the controversy that ended his Wallabies career in 2019.
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia after a series of social media posts in which he said gay people, among others, would go to hell unless they repented.
The comments sparked widespread condemnation and ultimately led to a lengthy legal battle before a confidential settlement was reached.
Now, seven years later, a growing list of current and former players has publicly questioned why Folau remains effectively locked out of the game.
Israel Folau’s failed NRL comeback has sparked fierce debate across rugby league and rugby union circles (Folau is pictured with his wife Maria)
A growing list of current and former players have publicly backed Folau (pictured playing for the Melbourne Storm) following his failed move to the Wests Tigers
Folau was one of Australia’s biggest sporting stars before his career became engulfed in controversy due to his homophobic past statements
Former Wallabies star Quade Cooper was among the most vocal supporters.
‘The irony of inclusivity.. excluding someone in the name of inclusion. You can’t claim to champion diversity while deciding who gets to participate. Make it make sense @nrl_weststigers,’ Cooper said.
He later doubled down when challenged online.
‘Shut up. You’re standing on your moral high horse acting like you’ve never made a mistake in your life. He did his time. He lost his job, was removed from the sport and paid the price years ago. Yet you’re still trying to persecute him?’ Cooper said.
‘That says more about you than it does about him. Funny how some people are happy to preach inclusivity until it’s someone they disagree with.
‘Meanwhile, players involved in drugs or domestic violence toward women seem to get a pass. Make it make sense.’
Current Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King also questioned why Folau should be excluded because of his religious beliefs.
‘I think every fan and spectator wants to see Israel back in the league,’ King said.
Quade Cooper was among the highest-profile athletes to criticise the handling of Folau’s proposed return
Bulldogs prop Max King said Folau’s beliefs should be respected like anyone else’s
‘I guess we want everyone’s voice to be heard, and everyone’s opinion matters. I think equally in the same fact that Israel has his beliefs and I think they should be valued as well.
‘I don’t think he should be discriminated against as well.’
King, who has been open about his Christian faith, said religion has long been part of rugby league culture.
‘Part of what makes our game so great is, as a Christian myself, the way that it [faith] is broadcast,’ King said.
‘Not that we do it for that, but every time there’s prayer circles, there’s cameras on there and I think that’s awesome.
‘Biased as a Christian, but I think having Christian athletes, anyone with an opinion, it’s their opinion and it’s their right to speak.’
King also admitted he would not have enjoyed facing Folau had he joined the Tigers.
‘I wouldn’t want to verse him against the Tigers,’ King said.
‘I think that was probably the topic, that it’d be harmful for the game. I think it’d be great for the game.’
Sandor Earl said people should be free to hold different beliefs without facing persecution
Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui backed a pro-Folau social media post
Former Queensland star Willie Tonga offered a biblical message of support
Former NRL player Sandor Earl also defended Folau’s right to express his beliefs despite not agreeing with everything he has posted.
‘Both sides have a right to defend their beliefs,’ Earl said.
‘I don’t fully agree with Izzy’s posts, but I don’t have to. That’s the whole point.
‘Live your life. Love who you want. Believe whatever you want. The battle isn’t against each other, it’s with the agenda.
‘All people can live in harmony, including players. With acceptance that choices should be free of judgement and should not persecute the opposing side.’
Earl said the debate had become increasingly one-sided.
‘But we, as humans cannot. I love and respect all of my gay and Christian brothers. But if you set a precedent that’s one-sided, it just creates more divide.
‘Accept and respect people’s choices. But in turn, respect mine, and don’t push your beliefs onto me. It’s that f***ing simple.’
Former rugby union star Alfie Mafi, who starred in the Super Rugby competition, was even more direct in his criticism of the game’s handling of Folau.
‘You lot will happily welcome back somebody with rape allegations, a woman beater, somebody on drugs, drink driving [and] almost killing somebody,’ Mafi said.
‘You’ll give those people two, three chances. Israel Folau, who quotes a scripture [from the] bible on Instagram is instantly banned for life.’
Mafi accused the game of selectively applying its values.
‘You don’t want real inclusivity, you want full control, full submission. Bow down to our agenda or you’re out,’ he said.
‘NRL you’re not a league, you’re a two-faced dictatorship. And us fans, us Christians, we’re tired of it.’
Prominent Pasifika financial educator Kendall Leota also entered the debate by sharing comments from Folau explaining the motivation behind his controversial posts.
‘If you know me personally, you know the intention behind the post,’ Folau said.
Folau’s troubles began in 2017 when he publicly opposed same-sex marriage during Australia’s postal survey campaign
The controversy intensified in 2018 when Folau said gay people would go to hell unless they repented in a social media post that also included drunks, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters
‘And I think that the media played a huge part in taking it and spinning it the way they wanted to.
‘I’ve got a lot of family members that are gay, you know. And I still love them the same.
‘But in terms of hate, or anything towards the LGBTQ community, I actually don’t.
‘Like, my intention from my heart is to spread that in love, based on what I believe in from what the bible says.’
Leota then challenged Folau’s critics directly.
‘Did you hear any hate in that interview?’ Leota said.
‘Was there any hate or malice against the LGBTQ community? Or homosexuals? Or gays? I don’t think so.’
Radio host Ben Fordham also questioned whether the punishment imposed on Folau has effectively become a life sentence.
Pictured: A recent social media post from Folau affirming his commitment to his faith amidst the current furore
‘Some social media posts from 2018 have killed off a football comeback in 2026,’ Fordham said.
‘There’s no question his words and his social media post back then caused offence and hurt. But how long does the punishment last? Forever?
‘He lost a massive rugby contract, he went through years of public criticism and humiliation, and now, at 37, when a rugby league coach wants to give him a short-term shot, the game still says no.
‘Why? Because apparently it’s a bad look.’
Fordham compared Folau’s situation to players who have returned from criminal and behavioural scandals.
‘The NRL has given second chances to players after court cases, drug issues, violent behaviour and drunken scandals.
‘And when that happens we hear the same words – redemption, growth, rehabilitation.
‘But if you post something offensive on social media, it can haunt you for life.’
The latest controversy emerged when reports revealed Benji Marshall had explored bringing Folau to the Wests Tigers
Marshall (pictured) publicly ended the speculation earlier this month, saying the Tigers were not signing Folau
Former NRL star Dayne Weston also argued Folau had been unfairly characterised by critics.
‘For years we’ve been told that Izzy Folau created division. But did he?’ Weston wrote.
‘Or was division created by the way his words were presented to the public?’
Weston said the former Wallaby had simply expressed a religious belief.
‘Izzy didn’t write a hit piece. He didn’t call for hatred. He didn’t attack individuals. He shared Scripture.
‘People are free to disagree with Christianity. They’re free to disagree with the Bible. They’re free to disagree with Izzy.
‘But disagreement isn’t hate.’
Support has also flowed from within rugby league circles.
Former NRL player Eddy Pettybourne commented: ‘Crazy how people can commit actual crimes and still find their way back into the @nrl, yet someone quotes Scripture and gets banned for life. Make it make sense.
‘That’s why I know the truth of Christ is real. The light always exposes the darkness.’
Former Queensland and Kangaroos representative Willie Tonga offered a biblical message of encouragement to Folau.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. God bless you my bra,’ Tonga said.
Current Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also publicly backed one of the pro-Folau posts, commenting ‘100 per cent’.
Former Eels, Titans and Panthers star Bryce Cartwright posted: ‘Supporting you all the way brother @izzyfolau.’
The backing comes as Folau’s camp considers legal action against the Australian Rugby League Commission, alleging restraint of trade after the proposed Tigers deal failed to materialise.
Folau has also continued to publicly express his Christian faith throughout the controversy.
In a recent Instagram post liked by several current NRL players, including Keaon Koloamatangi, Viliame Kikau and Pettybourne, Folau shared a passage from the gospel according to Matthew.
‘The gospel is for everyone, but not everyone will choose the narrow path. The question is: are you all in for Jesus?’ he wrote.
Despite the growing support for Folau, neither the NRL nor ARL Commission has publicly responded to the latest allegations made by Folau and his supporters.
The only official comment has come from Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall, who shut down speculation about a deal earlier this month.
‘No, we’re not signing him,’ Marshall said.
‘I don’t talk about recruitment publicly, but that’s the furthest thing from my mind right now.
‘I’ve seen there have been a lot of reports out there, but I need to get my team back on track. I need to focus on what’s important right now.’
