Polarising cross-code footy star Israel Folau has appeared in his first interview since being blocked by NRL officials from making a return to rugby league.
Folau, 38, has opened up about the process which took place following his request to the NRL.
He was blocked by the code’s top officials after being approached by Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall about making a return to the code.
‘I was pretty obviously frustrated and gutted with the whole situation,’ he told The Brodie Buchal Podcast.
‘I was told (the decision was made) because my values don’t align with the game and what they stand for.’
‘For me, it’s black and white – standing for biblical truth. That’s essentially what it is.’
Israel Folau (pictured) has spoken out for the first time since being blocked by NRL officials to make a return to the code
Folau (pictured with wife Maria) claims he was told he was prevented from making a return because his values ‘don’t align with the game’
The 38-year-old has carved out an impressive sporting career, which has seen him enjoy stints in rugby league, Aussie rules and rugby union.
But his career has also been marred by controversy relating to his promotion of his religious views.
In 2019, Folau saw his contract with Rugby Australia torn up after he refused to delete an Instagram post quoting Bible verses that said homosexuals would go to hell.
The footy star has now reflected on the firestorm which erupted as a result of his decision to publish the post, and spoken proudly of his convictions.
‘Throughout the whole process, I questioned myself whether I actually did the right thing,’ Folau said.
‘I had to go through a whole process of actually getting to that point, but I did tell myself… my decision was already made before I got there.’
‘Even though it was hard, there was a lot of pushback. There was temptation to lay down and go, ‘Oh no, maybe I should just take the post down.’
‘At the end of the day, I could sleep at night and know that I did the right thing.’
The 38-year-old (pictured) was one of the code’s biggest stars back in the late 2000s
Since leaving the NRL in 2010, Folau (pictured) has carved out an impressive CV across multiple codes
‘The peace and the strength and the fruit that I’ve received from this whole process has been amazing,’ Folau continued.
During the immediate aftermath of Rugby Australia’s decision, then-ARLC chairman Peter Beattie swiftly blocked any attempt to return to the NRL afterwards.
‘Our position on Israel Folau remains the same,’ Beattie said at the time.
‘We are an inclusive game with respect for all. Israel has social media posts online that go against what our game stands for.
‘As it stands, he will not be considered for registration. What Israel chooses to do in relation to his social media posts and his faith is a matter for him.’
Folau has since reflected on the recent snub and has claimed it could be a blessing in disguise.
‘As I sit back now and a bit of time’s gone by, I’m pretty grateful that it didn’t go through,’ Folau said.
