People who look for consistency in religion and its practise are wasting their time.

His words are repellant and it's a shame one of our clubs have given him the opportunity to earn handsomely in light of those words, but they have and there is nothing to stop them or him from doing so.

RL supporters (including those at Catalans I imagine) and the other clubs and players will make their own thoughts and feelings just as clear as he has, and that's the end of it.

I am never one for tying to cut down on Debate by trying to stop people airing their views no matter how odious. Much better to challenge them.

In that sense I would not agree with trying to ban him from playing sport.

But

in the real world this is a major PR disaster for RL. When pretty much every other viable sporting option has said non, Catalans have said Oui. This may be a good signing for Catalan on the playing front (although I would question his fitness after being out of RL for so long but it damages the game of RL and may make sponsors think again as well as a new TV deal harder.

Publicity wise RL wlll go from that northern version of Rugby to that game tHat lets homophobes play.

It is clear that most of RL teams are against it but what they can do is show their hostility to the decision and disagreement with Folau by Doing what. Wigan did by pulling off a marketing coup by designating games in solidarity. With LBGT Rights.

We don't know that yet - the story may end up being the reaction of the sport of RL being universally supportive of the communities Folau's words target.

The wider sport can't control Folau's legal right to work for Catalans Dragons. It can, however, control its reaction to it and the early signs are that it will do so pretty well.

FWIW I think that the sport should set itself higher standards generally.
We are already viewed as a small time Northern sport played by thugs and signing players like this (and some of the bad boys that have come over before) just entrenches how we are viewed by the rest of the sporting world and let's face it, the only time that we gain any national press is with things like this.
The bigger picture is of course how sponsors and advertising exec's view the game and our image just doesn't improve.
Not helped by any positive output from our publicity machine (not sure if we actually have one but, you get what I mean).

On those points we agree (and I am fairly sure pretty much everyone else will)

Today It Is A disaster but tomorrow it could be a victory.

It is now up to SL and the chairmen to turn victory into defeat..

Where is RLs. Jean de Vallette. !!!

Elstone reveals many informed voices within the game were against the signing and Wigan demonstrated their opposition by announcing their round six match against Catalans would be named Pride Day.

Is Elstone going to comment on every player that has expressed an opinion that maybe he and others don't agree with. He's set a dangerous precedent. It would have been interesting to hear his thoughts when Hardaker went to Wigan, Bailey and co went to prison then returned......the list of convicted criminals playing our game past and present is endless.

I'm not overly concerned, he's gone if he does it again and the negative PR will blow over in under a week.

I dont agree with his beliefs but he is entitled to them. His crime is broadcasting them publicly while representing an organisation. I feel there are enough safeguards to prevent it happening again.

Nope again I wouldn't be outraged & it wouldn't change my opinion.

If IF said something along the lines of all white people will burn in hell then I genuinely wouldn't do anything other than laugh. The key part here for me is the hell part. An absolute fictional and made up concept that's as outdated as his beliefs. Why would you be bothered at the threat of something that is never ever going to happen? He might as well have said something as stupid as - if you're gay then you'll turn into a unicorn.

Now if he'd gone onto social media and called for mandatory gay conversion therapy, or for all homosexuals to be locked up or segregated from society, I'd rightly be outraged. That's actually something to worry about.

Super League has been the dumping ground for N.R.L. miscreants for many a year, & if all other clubs flinch,
there's always Catalans.

On the Wigan LGBT thing, if your team did the same thing, would you attend the match ??
I think it could turn out to be a disaster !
Who wants to see gay men and women flaunting their sexuality in plain view ?? which is exactly what happens at these events !!
No thanks !
I’m not homophobic, just old fashioned.

I hope he breaks his leg in round 1.

And I hope people think twice about giving their money to Catalans by going over there...

Do you think they will have same sex couples banging on the pitch or something? You stay at home with your pipe and slippers friend.

Good signing. Really looking forward to seeing him play. Won't be as good as he used to be but hope he's still got plenty of skill and a top player

No, ignorant AND homophobic, clearly never been anywhere near a Pride event.

If a heterosexual couple hold hands and kiss in public, are they "flaunting their sexuality".
What are your thoughts on people of colour, should they travel on the same bus as you?

Old Fashioned is not an excuse for bigotry.

You say your not a fan, but you must have attended a fair few to confidently state 'this is exactly what happens at these events'.

Anyhow yes I would go to the game.

Wigan are that opposed to it that Lenagan’s just been on 5 live as good as agreeing with the move and says that Wigan would have looked to sign Folau but don’t have space on the cap. Embarrassing after their initial stance, looks like an attempt at financial gain now.

Swing and a miss I'm afraid.

I'm sure nobody who is bothered about what IF has said is taking the comments literally. Chances are, if you believe hell exists, you're likely to agree with him anyway. It's what's underneath. Do you think he said what he said as some sort of public service? "Hey guys, nothing personal but gays go to hell, so you know, might want to stop that". Of course not.

As I said at the bottom, by downplaying what he's said because it's not actually going to happen normalises the attitude that LGBT people are different and should be treated differently. As wonderful the steps most of the western world has taken towards it are, until people stop shrugging their shoulders at comments like this there's still some ways to go.

Can't see Zak Hadaker wearing rainbow laces - that would be totally against his belief's.

Whatever Zak's personal and private beliefs are, I am sure he will abide by his employers decision.

Forgot to add that Wigan trying to take the moral high ground, given they signed Hardaker who’s long list of indiscretions (including homophobic abuse) is far worse than anything Folau’s done, is absolutely hilarious.

Hes actually done a lot of community work supporting LGBT. Try again. He did that before and after his ban.

Again not sure why people cant tell the difference between a homophobe and a person that makes a homophobic remark

You have to remember some people aren't that bright.

IRBO - I am actually mixed race, sorry to disappoint you !
Travelled on many buses with all races and religions, why that matters tho, I don’t get you !
I just don’t understand Wigan’s lgbt charade !

Hello Israel and welcome to super league