The Tongan National Rugby League is seeking an injunction against the government’s bid to remove it from power in a fresh twist in Israel Folau’s mooted comeback to the 13-man game.

Acting Tonga Prime Minister Semisi Sika has written to the Rugby League International Federation to inform it the government doesn’t recognise the TNRL. Sika has called for the RLIF to endorse a new entity, Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League Inc (TMTRL), as an interim board that would oversee the two season-ending internationals currently under threat.

Israel Folau's quest to return to rugby league could also end up in court. Credit:Janie Barrett

However, the TNRL will apply for an injunction and court proceedings against the government to ensure the new body doesn’t interfere with its rights to govern the national team. Further, the TNRL claims it won a court judgment against Sika that led to his removal when he previously presided over the body, citing “serious issues of mismanagement and failure to account for funds”.

Folau has inadvertently become a pawn in the middle of the political football. On the one side, senior Tongan players are boycotting Tests until TNRL chairman George Kolomatangi and secretary William Edwards step down and Kristian Woolf is reinstated as coach. Meanwhile, the TNRL claims it can still field a strong side that would include sacked Wallabies star Folau.