Maguire confirms Folau chat but says talk Tigers switch wide of mark

Michael Maguire has confirmed he spoke with Israel Folau several weeks ago but insists there are no plans to lure him to Wests Tigers after the dual international gave the impression he would seek to extend his deal at Catalans.

The Herald revealed the Tigers coach had talked with the former Wallabies star, who is living in France after signing a one-year deal to play in the Super League.

Maguire worked with Folau when the pair were at the Melbourne Storm more than a decade ago, and the Tigers coach said it was not uncommon for him to speak with players he had coached.

"Yes I had a conversation but it was purely as a mate more than anything else,'' Maguire told the Herald.

"It wasn't about coming here. It was about how he's travelling.

"Any player of that calibre, our job is to look at all the players available.

"But at this present moment he's not available. We also don't have the money nor the space on our roster.

"I chatted to him about where his game is at, where the game is at here, but that's where it was left."He's enjoying his footy, and as far as I know he's looking to re-sign over there and continue with Catalans.

"I stay in contact with most of the players I've coached over the years, including the Kiwis boys. It's nice they feel comfortable they can give me a call."

The NRL made it clear Folau would not be welcomed back because of his outspoken homophobic comments that ultimately cost him his Wallabies contract.

But several NRL club bosses were convinced it would only be a matter of time Folau was back on local soil if he could show signs of his best with Catalans.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has already indicated he would love the 31-year-old to stay put in the south of France beyond this season, whenever it resumes as Europe remains hugely impacted by COVID.

French media have reported Folau has turned down rugby offers and will re-sign with the Dragons.