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'We were extremely nervous' - Maria Folau speaks about husband Israel's controversial Super League move

February 17, 2020

Former Silver Fern Maria Folau has given rare comments on her husband Israel's recent move to Super League, admitting they were "extremely nervous" about the former Wallabies player joining Catalans.

Folau debuted for the Dragons on Sunday in a 36-18 win over the Castleford Tigers and despite it being his first game in the 13-a-side code in 10 years, he looked right at home with a try six minutes into his return.

The 30-year-old joined the French Super League club after having his contract with Rugby Australia ripped up last year due to a code of conduct breach he made when he published a controversial Instagram post that condemned homosexuals, drunks, and others to Hell unless they repented.

His wife told Nine News after Sunday's win in Perpignan they were just happy he was back on the field.

"We were extremely nervous about how today was going to go, but praise God," Maria said.

"I'm just so blessed that he was out there to play the game that he grew up loving and we're so blessed to have this opportunity to be here in the south of France."

Folau's debut has since been marred with further controversy though after some fans took to social media saying they were told to remove their rainbow flags - a sign of support for the LGBTQ community - from the stadium.

Catalans say they have launched an investigation into the matter, saying Rainbow flags are not banned at our club".

"It is not forbidden. We are gathering more information about what happened.”

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