Israel Folau is reportedly closing in on a return to the NRL.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that St George Illawarra have submitted a formal application to the NRL to sign Folau on a two-year deal.
The former Wallabies star was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for homophobic posts on social media but it’s understood the NRL will consider the Dragons’ application.
The 31-year-old cross-code athlete signed with Super League side Catalans Dragons on a one-year deal after his contract was terminated by Rugby Australia.
Folau spent four years in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm before taking up a multi-million dollar offer from AFL expansion club GWS.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb confirmed the club’s interest in Folau.
“We are always on the lookout for great players. We have enquired with the NRL about Israel and we will work with them to hopefully see him join us in 2021," Webb told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We understand there will be a range of opinions in regards to this decision, but we believe he would be a good addition to our club.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has previously spoken on the whether Folau would be welcomed back in the NRL.
“The game is inclusive. Israel’s comments are not inclusive,” V’landys said.
“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 (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."