• Podcast
  • ARL
    • Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars
    • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • NRL
    • 2025 NRL Draw
    • 2024 NRL Draw
    • 2023 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Draw
    • 2021 NRL Draw
    • 2022 NRL Podcast
    • 2020 NRL Draw
    • 2015 NRL Draw
    • 2014 NRL Draw
  • ESL
    • International Origin
    • Challenge Cup
  • World
    • World Club Challenge
    • World Cup
    • Rugby League 9’s
    • NRL Auckland Nines Draw
  • Sports
    • AFL
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
  • Guest Writers
  • League Freak
    • NRL Tipping Experts
    • Web Site News
    • Sponsorship
    • Uncategorized

The Glorious League Freak – Covering Rugby League World Wide – LeagueFreak.com

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • NRL Rumours
  • RL World 9’s
  • Features
    • Player Profiles And News
  • History
    • History Books
    • The Super League War
      • The Super League War – The Clubs
      • The Super League War – The Freak
      • The Super League War – The Extras
  • Quotes
  • Look-Alikes
  • Teams
  • Rankings
  • Media
  • About
    • Bio
    • League Freaks Commentary Career
    • Contact
    • League Freak On Twitter
    • I Am Not A Journalist
    • Contribute To LeagueFreak.com
    • League Freak Mentions In The Media
    • Advertise On This Website
    • Rugby League RSS Feed
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • RSS Feed
    • Linked
    • Youtube

Israel Folau Really Knows How To Rub People The Wrong Way…

Sep 26, 2019 League Freak International Rugby League News 0


After being sacked by Rugby Australia for an instagram post that claimed everyone that wasn’t Israel Folau was going to hell, then looking to get support from punters for his legal challenge to his sacking via crowd funding, now Israel Folau can add strike breaking scab to his list of reasons why people don’t like him.

Moves by the under pressure Tongan Rugby League board to bring in Israel Folau and his brother in an effort to replace the main squad of players who had refused to turn out for Tonga until the board was replaced look to have fallen apart, with the Tongan Prime Minister now stepping in to resolve the matter.

It seems player power and the support of the RLIF have won the battle, with the Tongan Rugby League board now likely to go through a reform process, one that will see the board replaced, former coach Kristian Woolf reinstated, the players lifting their threat to strike, and this all leaves Israel Folau on the outside looking in once again.

The question must now be asked, will the Tongan Rugby League look to add Folau to the full strength Tongan Rugby League team in the upcoming test matches?

While it would be unfair to select Folau ahead of players who have been committed to the team for far longer, its must be remembered that sport isn’t all about fairness. If Tonga decides Folau is the best player available I have no issue with them selecting him ahead of someone else. That is sport. It happens all the time. Whether a former Rugby Union player who hasn’t played the game for about a decade and who hasn’t played a game of any kind for months is Tonga’s best option through is another question all together.

You then have to look at the standards you want to set for selection of this, and any future Tongan team. With Tonga being so strong, bolstered with NRL talent, do you want to open the door for players from outside of Rugby League to walk straight into the side? I am not so sure that is a great idea.

On top of that, Folau will be ineligible to play in the Rugby League World Cup 9’s next month due to it being run by the Australian Rugby League. Folau has been banned from competing in Rugby League in Australia by a ruling handed down by the ARL commission. Rightly or wrongly, they don’t want him to participate in the Rugby League 9’s World Cup.

Whether he is barred from playing for Tonga all together by the RLIF is a very contentious call however…

While very few people agree with what Folau posted on his Instagram account, there is the question of why Rugby League would allow players convicted in court of violent, criminal offences to turn out for nations but would take a stance on Israel Folau. It would seem to be a very strange double standard, one New Zealand legend Benji Marshall called out earlier this week.

Folau would probably have overwhelming support to return to the game has he not posted such a wide ranging condemnation of most of humanity on his Instagram post. At the end of the day he has no one but himself to blame for his lack of support.

Folau has not committed a criminal offence. He posted something stupid on Instagram. Yet here we are, discussing the merits of Folau returning to Rugby League when every single other player who has walked away from the game, committed criminal acts, been to jail, been involved in off field scandals, been involved in drug use, including the use of performance enhancing drugs, is seemingly embraced by the game.

It shows that sometimes its better to be likeable than good, and in Israel Folau’s case, he has rubbed some many people the wrong way that he struggles to get the support needed in the game to make a full return to Rugby League.

What a strange position that must be for a player who was once one of the games most loved players…

  • Tweet
  • Share 0
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn 0
  • Email

Related


  • Instagram, Israel Folau, Rugby League 9's, Rugby League 9's World Cup, Rugby Union
  • tweet
Podcast: Fergo And The Freak - Episode 81 - Brisbane Broncos Out The Night Before Record Breaking Loss, Defending Darius Boyd And Elliott Whiteheads Bloody Gash 2019 Canterbury Cup Grand Final Preview - Newtown Jets vs Wentworthville Magpies

League Freak

A well known Rugby League writer, League Freak has established a reputation among supporters of the game for his fearless commentary and unmatched insight. With a reach that spans both sides of the globe, League Freak has produced an independent network that allows him to distribute content to his many thousands of followers. He is the owner and main author of LeagueFreak.com

Related articles
  • Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and Development in Other Countries
    Rugby League Around the World:...

    Mar 17, 2023 0

  • The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament
    The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The...

    Mar 04, 2023 0

  • Top 5 Best Australian Rugby Players of All Time
    Top 5 Best Australian Rugby Players of...

    Mar 01, 2023 0


You must log in to post a comment.

League Freaks Social Network

Follow League Freak on:

Become a Patron!

Ziad Warwar
Nadine
Coojee
Adam
Andy
jamescunni
Lisa
Rugby League Project
Karsten Brumme
Samuel
Sandy
Katey
Jack
Terry
Gibbo

RSS Fergo and The Freak Podcast

  • There's Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
  • The 2023 NRL Season Preview
  • The First #AskKenty Of 2023
  • League Freak HUMILIATED As St Helens Beat Penrith To Win The World Club Challenge
  • Street Food In Castleford And The Patron Saint Of Divorce
  • We Will Learn A Lot This Season
  • Breaking In The New Studio As We Talk About Rugby League!
  • Getting Your Kids Into Rugby League With Julie
  • Taken Completely Out Of Context
  • 2022 Fergo and The Freak Christmas Special
  • Fixing S**t Lists Put Out By Fox Sports
  • Rating Everything About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Out Of Ten
  • Where Have These Two Been?
  • The 2022 Rugby League World Cup Isn't Supposed To Be A Training Run...
  • The Truth About The 2022 Rugby League World Cup!

Polls

In The On Field Quality Of Super League Games Getting Better Or Worse?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
  • Polls Archive

Latest Rugby League Articles

  • Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and Development in Other Countries
    Rugby League Around the World: Exploring Its Popularity and...

    Mar 17, 2023 0

  • Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby League Today!
    Podcast: There’s Quite A Bit To Talk About In Rugby...

    Mar 15, 2023 0

  • The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To Win The Threepeat
    The Panthers Attack Needs To Evolve Or They Will Struggle To...

    Mar 06, 2023 0

  • The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament
    The Most Iconic Rugby Stadiums In The Six Nations Tournament

    Mar 04, 2023 0

  • Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview
    Podcast: The 2023 NRL Season Preview

    Mar 02, 2023 0

Follow League Freak on Twitter

My Tweets

Tags

Andrew Ferguson (375) ARL (62) Australia (159) Benji Marshall (90) Billy Slater (78) Broadcasting Deal (68) Cameron Smith (60) Channel 9 (74) Daniel Nichols (122) Disgrace (77) Eligibility Rules (64) England (143) Expansion (85) Fergo And The Freak (466) Greg Inglis (100) Guest Writer (337) Israel Folau (71) Jarryd Hayne (78) Johnathan Thurston (82) League Freak (537) Leeds Rhinos (59) Marketing (67) Matthew Elliott (71) Mitchell Pearce (64) New South Wales (106) New Zealand (143) NRL Finals (63) NRL Salary Cap (96) Paul Gallen (64) Phil Gould (59) Player Movement (132) Podcast (490) Queensland (84) Referees (78) RFL (144) Rugby League History (78) Rugby Union (209) Sam Burgess (63) Sonny Bill Williams (91) State Of Origin (181) St Helens (69) Todd Carney (62) Wayne Bennett (83) Wigan (59) World Cup (182)
As featured on NewsNow: NRL newsNRL News 24/7

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Blogroll

  • The Glorious League Freak.
  • League Freak on Twitter
  • League Freak on Facebook
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours
  • RLWorld9s.com

Facebook Pages

  • NRL Gossip
  • NRL Infinite

Features

  • King Of Rugby League
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • Biggest Winning Margins In Rugby League History
  • Biggest Crowds In Rugby League History
  • Rugby League Quotes
  • Rugby League Dictionary
  • The Super League War
  • The New Zealand Haka
  • Funny Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League Rankins Lists
  • NRL Rumours
  • IHateRugbyUnion.com
  • NRL History
  • NRL History Books
  • Record Books
  • Player Profiles

NBA Links

  • NBA Rookie Of The Year
  • NBA MVP Winner List
  • NBA Finals MVPs

Other Links

  • Submit Your Australian Blog
  • Best Junk Hauling Virginia
  • Gutter Cleaning Service Virginia
  • Best Lawn Mowing Service Virginia
  • 2020 NRL Draw
  • Hot Toys Australia

Other Sports

  • Clutch Fans
  • Sportette

Players

  • Cameron Smith
  • Kalyn Ponga
  • Sonny Bill Williams
  • Jarryd Hayne
  • Andrew Johns
  • Semi Radradra
  • Sam Burgess
  • Benji Marshall
  • James Tedesco
  • Cooper Cronk
  • Johnathan Thurston
  • Anthony Mundine
  • Sam Tomkins
  • Greg Inglis
  • Jamie Peacock
  • Ntahan Cleary

Rugby League

  • Rugby League Project
  • Era Of The Biff
  • Darryl's Rugby League
  • Jamie Lyon Web
  • Rugby League Review
  • Rugby League Ratings
  • NRL CEO Fantasy League
  • QLD Panthers
  • Andrew Ferguson's Website!
  • Black Swans RLFC
  • InternationalRL
  • 2021 Rugby League World Cup
  • Rugby League Mums
  • Player Profiles
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • Watch NRL Games Online
  • NRL Tipping Experts

Rugby League Podcast

  • Best Rugby League Podcast
  • Best NRL Podcast
  • Best Super League Podcast
  • Best Australian Podcast
  • Best Sports Podcast
  • Funniest Podcast
  • Best Comedy Podcast
  • NRL Radio
  • 2021 NRL Podcast
  • Spotify NRL Podcasts
Google+
  • National Rugby League
  • Rugby League State Of Origin
  • Brisbane Broncos
  • Canberra Raiders
  • Canterbury Bulldogs
  • Cronulla Sharks
  • Gold Coast Titans
  • Manly Sea Eagles
  • Melbourne Storm
  • The 2029 Rugby League World Cup
  • New Zealand Warriors
  • Newcastle Knights
  • North Queensland Cowboys
  • Parramatta Eels
  • Penrith Panthers
  • Redcliffe Dolphins
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs
  • St George/Illawarra Dragons
  • Sydney Roosters
  • Wests Tigers
  • The King Of Rugby League Awards
  • Rugby League Player Profiles And News
  • Fantasy Rugby League Teams
  • Rugby League World Rankings
  • Rugby League Look-Alikes
  • International Rugby League News
  • National Rugby League
  • European Super League News
  • Featured Guest Writers
  • Other Sports
  • The 2021 NRL Draw
  • The 2022 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Listed For You!!!
  • The 2023 NRL Draw – Every NRL Game Is Here!!!
  • 2024 NRL Draw
  • NRL Player Profiles
  • NRL Instagram
  • The 2025 NRL Draw – Every Game, Every Venue, Every Club!
  • NRL Tipping Experts
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming
Copyright LeagueFreak.com 2022 / All rights reserved
  • Advertise On LeagueFreak.com
  • About LeagueFreak.com
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feed
  • NothingButLeague.com
  • Rugby League Podcasting Network
  • NRL Breaking News
  • NRL Rumours – Latest NRL Rumours
  • NRL Podcast
  • Super League Podcast
  • Rugby League Podcast
  • Here Is The Cure For COVID 19
  • 2022 NRL Grand Final Tickets
  • Click Here To Buy State Of Origin Tickets
  • Buy NRL Tickets – Where To Buy Tickets To Rugby League Games
  • Watch NRL Games Online In 2022 – Where To Watch NRL Games Online And Streaming