Former Wallabies fullback, Israel Folau will be attempting to return to rugby league at the end of the year, representing Tonga in their test match against Great Britain and the Kangaroos.
However, it is understood there will be a strong push by members of the board of the Rugby League International Federation to veto the move at an upcoming meeting.
The Tonga National Rugby League released a statement on Monday saying the former Storm and Broncos star and his younger brother John, who played eight NRL matches for Parramatta in 2015‑16, had made themselves available for Mate Ma'a Tonga.
The announcement of Folau's return comes amid a bitter dispute with Mate Ma'a Tonga players, led by Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo, who are demanding the resignations of TNRL chairman George Koloamatangi and secretary William Edwards.
Folau represented the Wallabies before his contract was terminated and he is in the midst of a court dispute with Rugby Australia, seeking a multi‑million dollar sum in lost wages following his sacking in May.
Folau played eight Tests for the Kangaroos from 2007‑09. His last season in the NRL was 2010 and he played 91 games during stints with Melbourne and Brisbane, scoring 73 tries.
Folau stated in a statement that he will just focus on playing great rugby league and do his talking on the field.
[Source: NRL]
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