Exemption to get Israel Folau under NRL salary cap ISRAEL Folau has been urged to delay a decision on his future as the NRL considers full or partial exemptions for rugby union players as part of its comprehensive review of the salary cap. Folau was widely expected to remain with the NSW Waratahs next year because NRL clubs could not afford to match the money on offer from the Australian Rugby Union. That could be about to change as the NRL considers firing a shot across the bow of its chief rival. The NRL is in the throes of completing the terms of reference for its salary cap review and it is understood clubs in contact with Folau's management have made it known changes could take place. One of the primary purposes of that review will be to ensure the salary cap continues to promote an even competition, but not if it means missing out on signing elite players such as Folau and Sonny Bill Williams. Williams is expected to re-sign with the Sydney Roosters for next season but return to rugby union in 2015. As it attempts to ensure the likes of Folau and Williams return and remain in the code, the NRL is ready to again consider the option of making rugby stars either fully or partially exempt under the cap. The concept was first raised several years ago but failed to receive widespread support, either from the clubs or the NRL itself. However, the game's inability to lure back the likes of Folau has prompted action. Rugby union exemptions could result in players such as Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale also becoming targets, although Folau is the only union player regarded as a "can't miss" signing in rugby league circles. The game's administration will also review the A-League's marquee player system and could consider the idea of central contracting, which is already used by the ARU and Cricket Australia. Folau stands to benefit more than most. The 24-year-old was expected to join Canterbury next season before rugby union upped the ante in its bid to keep him in the sport. The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney had also expressed interest in him. They could all enter the picture again should the salary cap landscape change. "It's really important for us to have the best athletes playing in the NRL," the league's chief operating officer Jim Doyle said. We need to look at what options there are to make sure that happens. It's not just about rugby union players. Everything is back on the table. Canterbury legend Steve Mortimer encouraged Folau - who has played for Melbourne and Brisbane before switching to the AFL, then rugby - to return to league. "Deep down, if Israel Folau is true to himself, he loves the challenge of rugby league," Mortimer said. I would love to see him playing rugby league. Folau's future threatens to have ramifications beyond the Bulldogs. The Broncos are circling Canterbury fullback Ben Barba, but the Bulldogs would be reluctant to release him from his existing contract without the surety of a replacement. Folau would fit the bill nicely - he was a centre and winger in his previous guise as a rugby league player but has more recently been a fullback in rugby union. Salary cap exemptions could mean other clubs enter the picture as well. Souths have the benefit of private ownership, while the Roosters have the backing of affluent powerbroker Nick Politis. Melbourne, Brisbane and the New Zealand Warriors are also privately owned. The key could lie with the NRL, although Doyle made it clear the salary cap review would not be rushed. "I would love to see Israel Folau back playing rugby league," Doyle said. We need to be sure our salary cap attracts and keeps the best players. One thing I am sure we have to focus on is that the salary cap is not just about making sure the competition stays even and the clubs don't go broke. It also needs to look at ways to attract and nurture the best possible players.