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Wallabies star Israel Folau could be a target for fellow code-hopper Brad Thorn’s Queensland Reds.
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Australia’s Daily Telegraph reported on Friday that Folau had spoken with Thorn on the phone.
The newspaper stated that the move would make sense given the Reds’ lack of star power with Quade Cooper playing club rugby and Karmichael Hunt’s future with the ARU uncertain.
The 28-year old Folau grew up in Brisbane and played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland State of Origin team.
Folau is currently plying his trade in New South Wales with the Waratahs, but will be off contract at the end of the year.
The Telegraph stated that while there is confidence Folau will stick around with Rugby Australia for the 2019 World Cup, there are no guarantees that he will be playing Super Rugby with the Waratahs.
Another code switch isn’t off the table just yet, as Folau said last week “there’s plenty of options on the line and, when that time comes, I’ll make a decision when I’m ready.”
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“There’s no rush. I want to make sure everything is set in position and I feel comfortable and I’ll come out and make that announcement.”
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg told The Australian earlier in the week that he would love to have Folau back in the 13-man game.
“I have been pretty consistent over a long period of time in saying I would love to see Israel Folau in rugby league,” Greenberg said.
“He is under contract at the moment but if he has a desire to play rugby league clearly there is a discussion to be had and we will have it.”
