Israel Folau could be on track to return to Australian sport after St George Illawarra made a bid for him to join their ranks.
The former Australian Wallaby player left the country after being fired for a homophobic Instagram post.
The 31-year-old has since been playing in the Super League with the Catalans Dragons, and has been linked with a move to Toulon or Montpellier in France.
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However, it appears the NRL team back home is calling his name.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Dragons have lodged an appeal with the sport's governing body in a bid to sign the former Wallabies fullback on a two-year deal.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb told the newspaper: "We are always on the lookout for great players. We have enquired with the NRL about Israel and we will work with them to hopefully see him join us in 202.
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"We understand there will be a range of opinions in regards to this decision, but we believe he would be a good addition to our club."
The idea of a NRL second-coming was initially floated when Folau was first dumped by Rugby Australia,
But it didn't take long for the chairman of the Australia Rugby League Commission to put those rumours to bed.
"The game is inclusive. Israel's comments are not inclusive," Peter V'landys said at the time.
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"When I was a kid and kids used to get bashed up because they were different, I used to go and defend them. And a lot of them, it's because their role models or their peers made them that way.
"I have no tolerance for people that put other people's lives (at risk) or (commit) violence. It's a big statement to make. With due respect to Israel, what he says, young kids listen too. He is a role model.
"They act on it. And when you're a kid at school and you get bashed up because you're different, I don't think that's a good thing."
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The Dragons and Folau would have to prove the actions of 2019 wouldn't be repeated in order for the star player to get signed off.
But the club or code might have to weigh up the risk of sponsors leaving due to opposition with Folau's beliefs.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said in a statement to NRL.com: "Any player or official needs to be registered with the NRL. That registration process involves a number of due diligence matters.
"Of course, you always have to have an open mind and you have to follow due process and you have to be fair and we'll follow that process.
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"Any decision that you make, you need to think about the fans, you need to think about your investors and sponsors and all of that will be taken into account. But ultimately it's the NRL's decision."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia