Israel Folau will be walking on a tightrope for the next 12 months following his decision to sign with Super League side Catalans Dragons.
The controversial code-hopper joins the Perpignan-based club for the upcoming season and will play alongside the likes of James Maloney, Sam Kasiano, Sam Moa and David Mead.
Both the Rugby Football League and Super League have condemned the decision to bring the 30-year-old to the competition, though they appear powerless to prevent it.
MORE: Wigan Warriors announce 'Pride Day' for Catalans game following Folau signing
BBC rugby league journalist Dave Woods explained that the lingering possiblity of legal action, given Folau is clearly not afraid to go to court for his rights, left them no choice but no register the contract.
"Clubs had a meeting last May when both Israel Folau and Ben Barba's names were thrown up as targets for any of the 12 clubs and I'm told all 12 had said 'no'," Woods said on Big Sports Breakfast.
"Ben Barba's a different case cause he's actually been banned by the NRL where as Israel Folau hasn't.
"[The RFL and Super League] cannot block the registration of Israel Folau, because although the NRL had said he's not welcome there, they've not actually banned him, so it's not like they can uphold a ban.
"I think they feared that if they resisted the registration of his signature that would open themselves up to a very, very costly legal case which they can't afford."
✍ @IzzyFolau
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 28, 2020
Israel Folau est un Dragon 🐲
🇫🇷 https://t.co/rKu4l0ZKFb
🇬🇧 https://t.co/k0KoKwlPSv#Dragons 🐉 pic.twitter.com/KJBOrHcwE7
Following the announcement of the deal, Catalans confirmed "any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club," while Folau has said he "not be making further public comment about" his personal beliefs.
Woods said if Folau steps out of line with any public comments or on social media, he could face another sacking.
"I think that would then give license to the RFL to say 'we're going to withdraw your registration'," Woods said.
"If he's a registered player and he's told what the code of conduct is... if he contravenes that then I think suddenly the RFL do have a leg to stand on in saying 'you're gone'.
"I know that Catalans have been warned about this and that they themselves have been told that if that happens, they will be fined as well."
Catalans get their season underway this weekend when they host Huddersfield, though Folau won't be involved until their round two trip to Wakefield Trinity at the earliest.
