Parker: Why Folau should be allowed back into the NRL

With Israel Folau looking to return to the NRL after 16 years, Corey Parker believes he should be allowed to despite his previous indiscretions.

After four seasons with the Broncos and Storm between 2007 and 2010, the now 37-year-old switched through various sporting codes, having represented the GWS Giants in the AFL alongside the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies in Rugby Union before his contract was ripped up for a high-level breach of the players’ code of conduct.

But after 5768 days of not playing in the NRL, a report emerged last week on 2GB that the former Dally M Rookie of the Year was looking to return to the competition despite not having played rugby league competitively since 2020 with the Catalan Dragons.

It was then reported that Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall was interested in bringing him on a train-and-trial deal, before the club confirmed they were uninterested.

Following that, the 37-year-old and his wife, Maria, have taken to social media, alleging that the ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) blocked the club from signing him due to his religious views, which are seen as non-inclusive, and accusing them of a double standard.

As a result, the Folaus are now considering legal action against the commission for a restraint of trade.

But while the ARLC has reportedly blocked the move, the Broncos legend believes that Folau should be given a second chance despite his previous indiscretion regarding a social media post which was deemed homophobic.

“Now, what he comes out and said via a social media post, you know, everyone is very different,” Parker told SENQ Breakfast.

“It does not offend me, OK? But that's not to say it doesn't offend others.

“But what we do as a game, and we have done countless times, is we give second chances. It's the great game of second chances.

“Now some of the things that players have done, Domestic violence, harassment, drugs, drink driving, etc. (It's) all been second chances, OK.

“Players have done their punishments, and they've come through the other side, and they've done, you know, rehabilitation at different stages, and ultimately, they come back and play.

“So, for me, at the time I was not offended, but that's not to say others weren't, OK.

“So, I'm just simply saying, I'm OK with it, and I was always OK with it.

“I think Israel Folau should be allowed back into the NRL to play the game. I really do.

“I don't feel as though he should be blocked based on a social media post, or a belief that he has.”

The signing deadline for this season closes on June 30.