'Not grounded in reality': Backlash over controversial new Israel Folau push

South Sydney CEO Blake Solly has dismissed speculation NRL clubs will attempt to sign overseas-based sidelined stars on short-term deals, saying it is "not grounded in reality".

With the UK Super League suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus, Toronto's Sonny Bill Williams, Catalans' Israel Folau, Wigan's Jackson Hastings and Warrington's Blake Austin were reportedly in NRL clubs' sights ahead of the Australian competition's proposed May 28 resumption.

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Rugby stars Quade Cooper and Ben Te'o had also been tossed up as targets with the code in limbo due to the pandemic.

While Solly likes the idea of luring big names to the NRL on short-term deals, he can't see it happening.

“I don't want to burst anyone's balloon, but I don't think it's realistic,” Solly told UK Sky Sports.

“Most clubs have filled out their squad of 30 or got 29 players.

“If you think every one of those players is going to be fit and ready to play at the end of May, given the break we've had, it's hard to see how you'd fit another player in at the expense of someone contracted.

“On top of the squads of 30, each player has between three and six development players you'd call into the squad, so given the contract regulations and the financial implications of bringing in a guest like that, it would seem like it's a nice news story but not grounded in reality.”

Another proposed target, ex-NSW star James Maloney, has already ruled out the prospect of organising a short-term NRL deal, saying it sounded like a headache he could do without.

Catalans playmaker Maloney is in lockdown in France with his family as he sweats on a Super League return date.

“I think it's probably more headaches logistically than what it's sort of worth and I just don't think it's possible,” he told 2GB radio this week.

Warriors hoping to begin training May 4

Meanwhile, Warriors boss Cameron George is hoping the NRL team can arrive in Australia in time to resume training with rival clubs on May 4.

The league is forging ahead with plans to re-launch its season in late May following high-powered meetings with broadcasters on Friday.

It remains unclear how many games will be played and how much the networks will be willing to pay for a restructured competition.

However all parties agreed on aiming for a return to action on May 28, with teams pencilled in to recommence squad runs in just 16 days time.

The inclusion of the New Zealand-based Warriors remains a significant hurdle due to international travel restrictions on both sides of the Tasman.

The club is also demanding answers on a number of key issues before deciding whether to stay in Australia for up to seven months.

Among them include player renumeration, competition structure, and whether families will also be able to be housed with the team.

“Once that comes to light, we'll be better equipped to make the right decision,” George told Fox Sports News on Saturday.

“And then we get to Australia, we can train with every other club from the 4th of May on. That's our goal, notwithstanding a lot of water to go under the bridge.

“We're very ambitious about being there and share the optimism with everyone else around that this game can get off the ground on the 28th of May.”