Israel Folau plans to return to international rugby league, playing for Tonga.

Key points: Israel Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in June for making controversial social media posts about homosexuals and other groups

Israel Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in June for making controversial social media posts about homosexuals and other groups Folau has played for Australia in rugby league and rugby union, as well as playing in the AFL, but is currently without a code

Folau has played for Australia in rugby league and rugby union, as well as playing in the AFL, but is currently without a code The Tongan national side said Folau would join its team, but the RLIF said it had not approved the move

The Tongan National Rugby League issued a media release on Monday night stating Folau and his brother John would be selected to feature against the Kangaroos and Great Britain later this year.

But Folau's return to international ruby league would have to be approved by the RLIF, made up of eight national sporting bodies.

The ABC understands that the Australian Rugby League Commission (ALRC) would oppose Folau's request.

Former ARLC commissioner Peter Beattie told ABC the Folau decision was still a live one.

"The RLIF has made no decision in relation to any registration request for Israel Folau," he said.

"As a current member and deputy chair of the RLIF board, I can assure you that this has never been discussed or mentioned around the board table."

The RLIF further poured cold water on the matter when it released a statement on Monday evening.

The Rugby League International Federation is aware of a media release issued by Tonga National Rugby League stating that Israel Folau has been 'approved' by the RLIF to represent Tonga in international matches," it said.

"That statement is incorrect, the RLIF has not been formally asked to consider this matter."

In his statement earlier in the evening Folau — who had his Rugby Australia contract ripped up after making controversial social media posts about homosexuals and others who he said would go to hell — said he was excited to rugby league for Tonga.

"I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga," he said.

"I am thankful that the RLIF (Rugby League International Federation) have accepted my availability to play."

Folau made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm in 2007, playing 52 games in two seasons for the club before joining the Brisbane Broncos.

Folau played 39 games for Brisbane and also represented Queensland in five State of Origin games and Australia in eight Tests.

He left league for AFL, joining the expansion team GWS for the 2012 season.

Folau later swapped codes again to rugby union, playing for the Waratahs and Wallabies before the controversial posts that led to his sacking.

Israel Folau played five State of Origin games for Queensland and eight Tests for Australia before joining AFL. ( AAP: Dave Hunt, file photo )

The Tongan national team will face the Wayne Bennett-coached Great Britain in Waikato on October 26, then play Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on November 2.

The recently appointed head coach of Tonga, Frank Endacott, welcomed the prospect of the Folau brothers being available to play.

"This is great news," Endacott said.

"These guys are great footballers and bring size, pace and skill to the team. They will make a huge impact in the team and provide exciting attack options all over the park.

"This will be great boost to the internationals, and I can't wait to see the crowd support that this will generate from our famous Mate Ma'a Tonga supporters."