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St George Illawarra’s Dragons have abandoned their pursuit of controversial superstar Israel Folau following a crucial general meeting on Wednesday evening.
Club brokers met to discuss the harsh reaction they suffered after inquiring with the NRL about code-hopper signature.
It was during this meeting that they decided not to continue discussions with Folau. to join the Dragons this season on a two-year contract worth $ 1 million.
The Dragons had discussed with Headquarters what action to take if they decided to submit a recording contract.
But they decided the process would be too difficult and not worth the inevitable brand damage, given Folau’s history of making controversial remarks about homosexuality.
The extreme finances involved in the poaching were also likely a factor in St George Illawarra’s choice not to prosecute Folau. His Super League club the Catalans had told the Dragons they would only release him sooner if they paid a fee of $ 200,000., a considerable sum in addition to the salary they had agreed to give him.
ARL Commission officials will continue to discuss whether or not to allow Folau to return to the game when they meet on Thursday.
The former Kangaroos and Maroons rep is unlikely to have much support from the ARL Commission if he chooses to strike a deal with another NRL club, but game executives insist that the 31-year-old’s candidacy would be considered.
Folau had asked the Catalans to release him with a year to run on his contract for compassionate reasons, telling them he wanted to return to Australia to be closer to his ailing stepmother.
The Dragons released the following statement Wednesday night:
“St George Illawarra has provided the following update regarding Israel Folau,” the statement read.
“While the Dragons have inquired about the signing of Folau, the club can confirm that these talks have now ceased.
“The Dragons won’t make any further comment.”
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