'Extremely hard for her': Israel Folau reveals fallout on wife Maria

Israel Folau has revealed the toll his battle with Rugby Australia has taken on wife Maria.

On Thursday night, the sacked Wallabies star gave his first TV interview since the scandal started, telling Alan Jones on Sky News the saga had been “extremely hard” for Maria.

“It’s been a very tough time for Maria, myself and our families,” he said.

"She has been dragged into this situation unexpectedly and it's been very frustrating for her.

"I'm very lucky she is a strong woman, she is the same as me, convicted by her faith.

“She is continuing to march on and stay strong."

While she hasn’t spoken publicly about her husband’s controversy, Maria caused anger when she shared his public fundraising campaign for money to fight RA in court.

Aussie legend Liz Ellis slammed Netball Australia’s stance on Maria, after they said she would not be sanctioned.

"Yeah nah not good enough," the former Australian Diamonds captain said.

"There is no room for homophobia in our game. Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome.”

ANZ Bank were then at the centre of the saga when it was reported they “pressured” Netball New Zealand to take action.

The bank, one of the big four in Australia, sponsors Netball NZ while Mrs Folau plays for the Silver Ferns national team, as well as the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

"We value our partnership with Netball NZ and any suggestion we have tried to pressure them is absolutely incorrect," ANZ said in a statement on Wednesday.

Netball NZ released a statement of their own on Tuesday, which fuelled reports about ANZ’s role in he furore.

“Netball New Zealand values inclusion and diversity across all areas of the community and our sport whether its gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, religion, and we take responsibility as role models for young New Zealanders very seriously,” they said.

“We acknowledge that people have differing views and beliefs. It is important those opinions and views are expressed in constructive and respectful ways.”

Folau wants apology

Folau is pushing for an apology from RA and an admission that its decision to tear up his multi-million dollar contract over a social media post was wrong.

The dumped Wallaby is hoping to reach an agreement on Friday during a meeting at the Fair Work Commission with the game's governing body.

RA has accused Folau of lying about being offered money to take down the offending post.

Folau, his lawyers and representatives from RA and Waratahs Rugby will convene for a conciliation meeting in Sydney for the first formal step in his unfair dismissal case.

"Hopefully Rugby Australia will accept that my termination was unlawful and we can reach an agreement about how they can fix that mistake," the 30-year-old said in a video posted on his website on Friday morning.

"First and foremost, I am hoping for an apology from Rugby Australia and an acknowledgement that even if they disagree with my views, that I should be free to peacefully express my religious beliefs without fear of retribution or exclusion."

RA sacked Folau after taking issue with a social media post by the committed Christian in April that was condemned as homophobic.

Folau had paraphrased a Bible passage saying "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" would go to hell unless they repented.

He argues he was unfairly dismissed on religious grounds.

Folau is seeking $10 million in damages from RA and wants his multi million-dollar contract reinstated.

with AAP