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New teammates? ... Israel Folau with Eels prop Tim Mannah. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
Parramatta Eels are leading the race for Israel Folau's signature after the code-hopper walked out on AFL football.
The former NRL star, who has spent the past two years in the AFL with Greater Western Sydney, announced on Thursday he is quitting the Giants.
It is understood the Eels, a club now coached by Ricky Stuart, have been in talks with Folau and plan to conduct further discussions with the NRL over the prospect of signing the former Queensland and Australia back.
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However, at Thursday's press conference Folau refused to confirm he would be returning to league - and even left the door open for a switch to rugby union.
Folau will have to accept a cut in salary to rejoin the NRL after being on multi-million dollar deal in the AFL .
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Parramatta chief executive Ken Edwards confirmed the club's interest in Folau.
"We would be very interested in talking to Israel," Edwards said.
"We think Israel would be a great fit."
Asked about the salary cap implications of signing Folau, Edwards said: "Salary cap in the first year would probably be an issue for us. It's something we need to work through with the NRL and discuss with the NRL. In terms of years after 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 would not be an issue for us."