Israel Folau set to make debut for Catalans against Castleford

Israel Folau is set to make his Catalans debut against Castleford on Saturday, according to Sky Sports’ Brian Carney.

Folau, 30, has dominated the headlines since the Dragons decided to sign the controversial former Australia rugby union international.

He wasn’t named in the squad for the game against Wakefield, which ultimately fell foul of Storm Ciara, last week but is in line for his Super League debut, almost 10 years since he last played rugby league for Brisbane.
Carney said: “My information is that he will play in this game.

“He will be an incredibly controversial figure that will line up against Castleford, but an incredibly talented rugby league player.

“If he does play, it’s the perfect place to do it – at home, in front of supporters that you feel in the majority will be behind Israel, though I can’t speak for everybody.

“There has been incredible media attention in Israel Folau and at Catalans training this week in particular. News crews from all around France, Australia, Sky Sports ourselves, and the press department at Catalans have almost been swamped.

“Were he to play at the weekend, you could imagine there would be huge media interest in that.”

A summit of Super League chiefs last week resulted in a gentleman’s agreement regarding future signings, after several expressed concerns over Folau’s move to Catalans.

But they have been powerless to stop his registration or indeed him playing for Catalans.

Although he was sacked by Rugby Australia last year, the governing body had to settle with him out of court after he brought unfair dismissal charges against them.

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