Controversial rugby union star Israel Folau is reportedly looking to return to the NRL.
However, according to The Daily Telegraph, it could cost him the chance to express his religious beliefs.
Folau, in a bid to save his fractured relationship with Rugby Australia, gave the governing body the opportunity to view all of his future religious social media posts before publication.
The 30-year-old was ultimately sacked by Rugby Australia, but it is understood that Folau (if granted a return to rugby league) would offer similar privileges to the NRL to vet his social media activity.
However, the NRL is sticking to their current stance, not considering Folau for registration while his past social media posts on homosexuality stay on his Instagram page.
Former NRL player Jimmy Smith believes it would take something extraordinary to see Folau playing rugby league again.
"He tested the waters overseas and got a luke warm response,” Smith told Fox Sports' Bill and Boz.
“It would be a massive backflip from Chairman Peter Beattie, who outright has said he will not be welcome in the NRL.”
Beattie has on two occasions denied that Folau would be considered to return to the NRL.
“Israel Folau doesn’t pass our inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC,’’ Beattie has said.
“And after talking to some commissioners, we don’t support him playing rugby league again.’’
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg had a similar view.
“All our athletes have to be careful,” Greenberg said of Folau’s posts.
“There are young boys and girls who will read that (anti-homosexual posts) and find it hard to deal with because Israel has a large profile. That would not have been his intent, but it is very damaging to some people.”