Israel Folau, the Australian footballer who was cancelled for religious views he expressed on social media, has returned to rugby league by signing for Gold Coast Southport Tigers. Folau announced on Friday that he had signed a contract with Southport Tigers to play the remainder of the season, while his registration with the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) is still pending. The QRL said it would consider registering Folau’s application “in line with its rules and processes that govern the registration of players.” Folau’s return is backed by Clive Palmer, the mining magnate and former politician, a club patron. “I am very pleased to announce that through sponsorship with Mineralogy, this great sporting champion will soon be returning to rugby league,” said Palmer. “We hope the Queensland Rugby League will register Israel in accordance with the law.’’ . “Israel was unfairly punished and persecuted for his religious beliefs, and it is only right …