Israel Folau will have a mate alongside him if he is cleared to play for Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast competition – and it's a player who is also at the centre of a storm.
Former Bulldogs, Eels and Manly giant Tony 'T-Rex' Williams is a close mate of Folau and plans to play alongside him at the club, which is backed by controversial politician and businessman Clive Palmer.
It was only a few weeks ago that American club New York Freedom sacked Williams for his inflammatory quotes about the Jarryd Hayne rape trial.
Williams created a furore that was heard around the league world by turning the focus back on the victim and questioning the justice system that found Hayne guilty on social media.
Williams apologised after being sacked, admitting "I hurt a lot of people".
Folau's brother John, a former Parramatta Eel, is also expected to join the duo.
Israel Folau refused to guarantee he would no longer post insulting remarks on his social media in a press a conference with Palmer today.
"I just want to give thanks to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ for this opportunity," Folau said.
"I am excited to be here and link up with Clive. The opportunity he's given me and my family is something I'm really grateful for."
Asked if he stood by his controversial social media posts, Folau said: "I tell you what I do stand for, as a Christian I stand by the Bible and what the Bible says – every written word in that book I stand by that. I believe what the Bible says. I didn't write the Bible that is God's written word and I believe that wholeheartedly."
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