The Warriors have no interest in bringing Israel Folau back to the NRL.

A number of clubs have been linked to the controversial star who was heavily linked to the Dragons before they cooled their interest amidst fan scrutiny.

A move to New Zealand makes sense as it would allow Folau's wife, Maria to return to Auckland.

But Warriors CEO Cameron George ended speculation by confirming the club has no interest in the 31-year-old.

“Israel’s not even on our radar,” George told Stuff journalist David Long.  

“We’ve got our own plans and we’re working through those now.”

George also dismissed speculation around Melbourne's Brandon Smith returning to New Zealand at the end of the year.

The Warriors have $1.1 million available in their salary cap after skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck announced his move to Auckland Blues in the Super Rugby at the end of the season.

But the Warriors won't splash the cash to lure the premiership hooker, despite Melbourne allowing Smith to talk to other clubs.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Honestly even tho I will support them through thick and thin they definitely make you annoyed sometimes.
    They apparently believe Egan can be an 80minute player. Who cares.
    He’s not a top 10 hooker and if your trying to build a winning team you have to have good players in key positions.
    Brandon Smith is already a top 10 hooker and at 24, being a local boy he should definitely be considered. I bet his asking price would be around 600k which for a key position like hooker isn’t much.

    I’m glad they aren’t interested in Izzy, we don’t need people like him at our club.
    I hope they aren’t actually interested in Kurt Mann, rumours have it they like him and Matt Dufty. Dufty I wouldn’t mind that much but I’d rather we go with Jahrome Hughes or use a youngster coming through the ranks like Paul Turner, Rocco Berry or Hayze Perham. If we chose the young player route then invest that 1.1 mil on Brandon Smith and upgrade in the halves.

  2. If BrandonSmith doesn’t have 9 on his back this year he should demand a loan to warriors.. Melbourne would then need an emergency 9.. Egan on loan.
    Warriors best chance to go all the way since their salary cap breaching days

  3. Kurt Mann is a good 14 with skill and impact but never seen him as a starting half or hooker. Dufty will secure a contract with the Dragons with the what he does on field in 2021 with Cody Ramsay hot on his heels. Brandon Smith should be on most clubs radar and the only replacement Dragons should be looking at to replace Hunt who should be the in the 9 this year. Warriors are mad not to chase him. Egan doesn’t rate as an 80 minute player in my eyes. Izzy back to Rugby if they’ll have him. Burnt his chances in the greatest game of all.

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