Controversial star Israel Folau could have a new pathway to the NRL.

A report inย The Daily Telegraphย suggests he could link up with a Queensland Cup team and forge a route to first-grade footy through there.

News Corpย reported last week that the Brisbane Broncos have been offered the 31-year old's services for the upcoming season.

It comes after Super League club Catalans Dragons reportedly left him out of their 29-man squad for the upcoming season despite signing a one-year extension with the club.

It is believed that the Queensland Rugby League board will allow him to play in the Queensland Cup this year in what looms as a "glimmer of hope" for his NRL prospects, according toย The Daily Telegraph's Michael Carayannis.

โ€œThere is indications that the QRL will give him permission to play in the Queensland Cup, if a side reaches it and wants to register him," Carayannis said on SEN radio.

โ€œThat is probably the pathway for Israel back into the NRL.

โ€œThis will give him a glimmer of hope."

His potential return to the NRL has been backed by Queensland origin captain Daly Cherry-Evansย and Broncos skipper Alex Glenn.

Folau played 91 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos from 2007 to 2010 before switching codes to rugby union.