BY SCOTT DILLON & KANE AUSTIN

Code-hopper Israel Folau is preparing for his return to rugby league after making the shock announcement he would be lining up for Tonga in upcoming matches against Great Britain and Australia.

Folau hasn’t been sighted since being sacked by Rugby Australia for reciting homophobic passages from the bible online.

Under the RLIF, Folau isn’t blacklisted, unlike the NRL who have already publicly stated he wouldn’t be welcomed back.

“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga. I am thankful that the RLIF have accepted my availability to play,” Folau said in a TNRL media release.

“I don’t want to bring any of my personal matters into this and I am grateful that the RLIF have endorsed my availability.

“What I will do now is focus on playing great rugby league and do my talking on the field.”

But in another twist, the RLIF brought out a statement saying they knew nothing of Folau’s intentions.

“The Rugby League International Federation is aware of a media release issued by Tonga National Rugby League stating that Israel Folau has been ‘approved’ by the RLIF to represent Tonga in international matches. That statement is incorrect, the RLIF has not been formally asked to consider this matter.”