Wallabies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano says he'd be glad to see former Test star Israel Folau back playing sport after it emerged the sacked fullback could be on the verge of a rugby league comeback.
Folau, whose contract was terminated by Rugby Australia earlier this year over a homophobic social media post, was named in the Tongan rugby league squad for the upcoming Oceania Cup this week, which would be his first taste of high-level football since his axing.
Despite the Tongan Rugby League saying in a statement that the Rugby League International Federation had ticked off his inclusion, the international body said on Tuesday it had not.
The 30-year-old cannot return to rugby in Australia with his contract having been terminated and the NRL have said previously that he would not be welcome in their competition in the wake of the controversy.
Flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, who said he had exchanged the odd message with Folau in recent times, said it would be a waste for Folau to never play football and wished him the best.
"I'm completely focused on here but it's nice to hopefully see him play some footy," he said.
"I think he's an exceptional talent and someone I feel would be wasted to not play sport again.
"It'd be nice to see him run around, which would be cool. We're Happy for him if he gets to do it.
Flanker David Pocock, whose public views have often been very much opposite to Folau's, echoed that sentiment.
"All the best to him. Mate Ma’a Tonga. Hopefully they go well," he said.
Folau and Rugby Australia are set to return to court on December 17 should they not reach a settlement over his terminated contract.
The former Waratahs is seeking up to $10 million in damages and an apology after escalating his legal action to the Federal Circuit Court.
