Israel Folau targets rugby league return with Northern Hemisphere club

Former Wallaby and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has begun discussions to launch a return to the rugby league field.

The Daily Telegraph reports the New York franchise, which joins the British competition this season, made a pitch to Folau in a phone call recently.

According to the report New York chief executive, Ricky Wilby has not made an official offer to Folau but will follow up with the controversial star in the coming weeks.

The former Wallaby could be joining former All Black Sonny Bill Williams in North America.

Rugby Australia and Folau announced an out-of-court settlement late last year following months of fallout stemming from Folau being sacked over his controversial social media posts.

New York officials told the Telegraph the city would be the “perfect place for Folau to continue his career and rediscover the form that led him to representing the Kangaroos and Wallabies.”

In April British clubs voted in favour of New York and Ottawa joining their domestic league structure which already includes the Toronto Wolfpack, which joined in 2017.