Controversial dual-code star Israel Folau has spoken publicly for the first time since his move to Super League outfit Catalans.
The Dragons had originally planned to host a media conference for Folau to face reporters before the club decided to pull the event, denying any potential questions to be asked to the player from outside media outlets.
Catalans instead opted for a piece-to-camera interview for Folau, where the 30-year-old was not questioned about his controversial remarks and Instagram posts that had him sacked by Rugby Australia last year.
Both the NRL and Rugby Australia shunned the former league star after publicly promoting homophobic beliefs.
Several Super League clubs have expressed their protest against the signing and have reportedly considered legal action.
Folau was asked about the controversy surrounding his signing, where he instead chose to speak about his excitement to return to rugby league.
“I’m excited to be back playing the game that I grew up playing,” Folau said in the video.
“It’s been 10 years since I last played rugby league and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a great organisation, a great team.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing alongside the boys.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world, to be here in the south of France with the Dragons. You can see how professional the boys are, the coaching staff and everyone that’s involved in the club.
“I’m here to compete and play some good footy, and hopefully be a consistent player for the team. I missed that team camaraderie, the team environment and being around your teammates, being able to train and work alongside the coaches.
“That’s something I’ve missed the last seven months but it’s fantastic to be back in that team environment again, and getting back in that routine of training with the boys and getting out on the field and enjoying the game.”
The Dragons will play at Wakefield on Sunday, with Folau's chances of playing in the clash unknown despite training this week.
Thanks for standing up to rainbow bullies and standing for freedom and liberty.
You’re a champion Izzy. Smash em ‘this season champ.
What a gutless act. Rainbow bullies, LidcombeOval? What about the Pentecoastal religious freaks? They can dish it out, but, can’t take it.
So the good Christian wouldn’t stop putting he’s dribble on social media, he’s excuses were ridiculous. The classic it’s gods word I won’t hide my beliefs blah blah. Now the bloke needs more money, so he signs a contract that says he can’t put anything negative on social media he must not preach hateful garbage on social media!
😂😂 I guess he’s god will have to take a backseat whilst Folau real god the all mighty dollar leads him the way. A classic hypocrite just like the rest of those believers
The guy is a Grade 1 tool living in fantasy land – pure & simple
Welcome back Izzy. The SJW outrage crew can go flagelate themselves in protest.👹
Religon, screwing up mankind for over 2 millenia.
Freedom of speech over deranged leftists anyday Panthers commie.
Onya Izzy, those offended choose to be! Only the woke are offended
Okay, Lidcombe so in your reasoning someone can make a slanderous statement, and call someone a pedophile? With freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
A fitting end to his career really. Playing in a crap team in Super League with the rest of the “over the hill” brigade.
Who cares.
Hey woody does it kill you inside that gods begotten son was a brown skinned man. Your god chose wisely
Lots of us care Comrade Beath . There is a reason that leftists spend 70% of the time in opposition in Australia.
Loving woketard salt.
With great power comes great responsibility…. Sorry Panthers, that is what I thought of when I read your comment.
Anyway, can we all just move past this? It is pretty obvious the differing views on the topic as it has been debated ad nauseam on here and a few other sporting blog pages. Doesn’t everyone prefer to be talking about footy anyway?
Toddy, there is a reason that a certain 60k year old group wasn’t chosen instead. Average IQ 68 . A couple of points lower than the intellectual disability cutoff. Oh dear.
eels47, that is exactly what I meant. Thanks.
Lidcombeoval Brown Jesus 😂 your own god was ashamed to be associated with your kind.
And what is my kind brudda ?
Tigers fan
Toddy , you follow a team that sacked thier coach who had them sitting in the top 4 a month out from the finals. The same coach who got them to the finals in the previous 2 seasons. You then hired a coach who got you to the finals 1 out of 4 seasons and then he followed up with failing to get you to the finals last season. I know my club is run by sub morons and don’t have much to brag about , but at least we’re not Penrith…or Parramatta.
LidcombeOval, the squad that took the Panthers to the three consecutive finals, was coached, previously by Ivan Cleary. He played a massive part in that.
Folau is a champion for standing up for what is right. Who are the twisted people that think putting your thing in a blokes filth behind is normal.
The tigers have had 5 coaches since 2014
Hey Lidcombe
“Loving woketard salt”?? Are you just rambling or has spell check got the better of you.
The point with Israel is that he’s let his double digit IQ and wacko religious beliefs destroy his career. He walked out on League ten years ago to chase $$$ and now he’s come limping back to a bottom of the barrel club for the same reason.
So as a League fan, who cares about him? Not me.
Just as funny as Folau now keeping those stupid beliefs to himself as per he’s new contract😂 so for all the talk about god he’s now turned his back on the lord, all for more money. Now that’s hilarious
Matthew 6:24 ESV / 190 helpful votes
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Toddy your critical of anyone defending Folau but vocal in talking down anyone who wants to share their views.
You are Folau in reverse. Put a sock in it mate.
Mark mywords you do the reverse cowgirl
Toddy you can quote the good book. Here is one that Folau must have used to get a footy job and tour Europe on a working holiday.
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Well all I can say Toady, God certainly looked after Folau with a nice little European Working Vacation. If you can call playing footy working of coarse.
See Toddy The True God always rewards the faithful. Better you start reading and applying that Good Book back in your life mate. Instead of your rebellion.
This is a good one Mark that the nutter from the ACT won’t like.
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are far more to God then the birds.
Looks like Folau has claimed that promise and his God has opened the doors that were shut providing for his blessed child. Israel Folau.
Toddy what has your rainbow god done to stop this…… thats right nothing. Your god is like thise rabbit Forwards and the entire Penrith team….. Duds.🤣😂🤣😂