Eels to move 'heaven and Earth' for Folau

Updated November 02, 2012 17:28:24

Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart has identified Israel Folau as the Eels' top priority after the code converter walked out on AFL club Greater Western Sydney.

Folau ended his experiment with AFL two seasons into a lucrative four-year deal after admitting on Thursday he did not have the passion to continue in the game.

The 23-year-old did not confirm if he would make a return to the NRL or try his hand at rugby union.

But Parramatta has already started discussions with Folau's management, and Stuart was confident the Eels could land the former representative star.

"We have done everything in consultation with (salary cap auditor) Ian Schubert and the NRL," he said.

"He is our key target. We want him to play for Parramatta Eels and we will move heaven and Earth to get him here.

"And the good thing we have in our favour is he wants to play for Parramatta."

Stuart said Folau's potential return to rugby league would not only be a boon for Parramatta but for the game as a whole.

"It's what we need. I think the game is going forward quickly and he will keep moving it in that direction," he said.

"Having these type of players - we keep hearing about Sonny Bill Williams, we heard about Israel Folau yesterday - it is just good for rugby league."

Like the Giants in the AFL, the Eels claimed the NRL wooden spoon after a dreadful season which saw the sacking of coach Stephen Kearney.

But the arrival of Folau, as well as the returning Will Hopoate, next to good friend Jarryd Hayne could signal the start of something new under Stuart.

"We've had probably a couple of years of bad news, but over the last three or four weeks it has been all positives at Parramatta and we are moving in the right direction with the game itself," Stuart said.

Meanwhile, Folau farewelled his Greater Western Sydney team-mates this morning.

Folau resigned publicly at a media conference on Thursday and a day later addressed the playing group, apologising that he had not told them first.

"I wanted to tell you all yesterday before the press conference but it all happened so quickly," Folau said to the Giants players before a preseason training session at Sydney Olympic Park this morning.

"All options are open to me," Folau added.

"Whether that's going back to rugby league or even playing rugby union."

Folau's switch to AFL from rugby league at the end of 2010 followed a year after fellow league star Karmichael Hunt made the move, signing with the Gold Coast Suns.

Hunt said he was shocked by Folau's decision but agreed it was a sensible decision for all involved.

"I guess it's a pretty brave decision on his behalf and I respect his decision because he felt his heart's not in it," Hunt said on the AFL's website.

"It would have been unfair to a lot of people, including himself, if he just stayed on and carried on."

Tags: australian-football-league, nrl, rugby-league, sport, homebush-bay-2127, nsw, australia

First posted November 02, 2012 15:49:14

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Sheedy sticks up for journeyman Folau

Updated December 04, 2012 16:41:08

Israel Folau's former AFL coach Kevin Sheedy has defended the character of the New South Wales Waratahs recruit, saying he is one of the more honest people he has dealt with in his 45-year career.

Folau has copped fierce criticism this week for not signing with NRL club Parramatta after it helped secure his release from the AFL, with coach Ricky Stuart saying his side would be "genuinely better off without him".

However, the Greater Western Sydney Giants coach said on Tuesday he had no problem with Folau's character as he was always up-front and honest.

"I actually admired him for that," Sheedy said.

"So from my point of view as a person, and I've been around the game for 45 years, I think Israel Folau is one of the (more) honest people I have actually ever dealt with.

"I am glad that when he felt that AFL wasn't his game in the end that he actually told us the facts and let us get on about our business which is what I think is a fair thing to do."

However, Sheedy said Folau's switch to rugby union had not been in his landscape of thinking.

"Obviously everything was pointing towards the Parramatta Eels," he said.

"But he puts himself in the direction of Karmichael Hunt now as a player of all three codes. It's a pretty good effort."

Sheedy said he had no regrets signing Folau, labelling the move as one of AFL's best marketing strategies.

"From our point of view, (it was) one of the best marketing exercises since Tina Turner singing 'Simply the Best' with the NRL," he said.

Waratahs coach Cheika said Folau was a man of impeccable character and was happy to welcome him into the fold.

"The dealings I've had with Israel, from day one ... he's been honest, direct and I've really been happy with the way it's been set up," he said.

"The important thing is, first of all, that Israel gets into this team, meets his team-mates so that he's feeling good about himself, feeling good about the people he's playing footy with every day."

In a statement, Waratahs Rugby chief executive Jason Allen said Folau's signing marked a new, exciting chapter in the franchise's history.

"Winning Israel over to rugby union is a major boost for the Waratahs and an exciting prospect for Super Rugby fans across Australia," he said.

"As a player, Israel clearly has an exceptional talent but what was equally important to us was the enormous level of respect he commands from those who know him and have worked with him."

Folau will be playing alongside Wallabies such as Berrick Barnes, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Kane Douglas and the Australian Rugby Union suggested he could eventually join them in the national team, and even become an Olympian.

"Depending on his development as a rugby player, there is an opportunity for Folau to achieve higher honours, in Sevens as well as the 15-a-side game," ARU acting chief executive Matt Carroll said.

"Sevens is now an Olympic sport and we are keen to build depth and profile for the game in the lead-up to Rio in 2016."

AAP/AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 04, 2012 16:37:11

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Folau switches to union in Waratahs colours

Updated December 04, 2012 16:27:42

Former NRL centre and AFL utility Israel Folau has announced he has signed a one-year deal with Super Rugby franchise New South Wales Waratahs.

After pulling the pin on his four-year, big-money deal with AFL expansion club Greater Western Sydney on November 1 after just two seasons, the former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos star was hotly tipped to join the Parramatta Eels in a return to the NRL.

But after refusing Parramatta's formal offer, Folau has competed a football code trifecta in switching to rugby union, where he will play for the Waratahs in the 2013 Super Rugby season.

"Obviously today's a very exciting time for me to announce I've signed for the New South Wales Waratahs," Folau said at Waratahs headquarters.

"I'm very excited of the opportunity to play rugby next season. It's been a pretty tough week for me over what's been reported.

"It's going to be a big transition. Obviously playing rugby at a schoolboy level compared to Super Rugby competition is a massive challenge.

"The last two years [playing AFL] have been a challenge for me, and this is another challenge as well. I'm just excited to take up rugby."

The code switch presents an opportunity for Folau to become a dual-international with the Wallabies; an opportunity he says he would relish.

"Obviously I [want to play for the Wallabies]. Everyone wants to represent their country," he said.

"First of all I've just got to worry about playing good footy with the Waratahs and that will come afterwards."

Folau's speed and agility will go a long way to helping new New South Wales coach Michael Cheika return a running brand of rugby to the 'Tahs, with the competition for places at the back now even more fierce.

Labelled a mercenary in some quarters after walking away from the Parramatta talks, Folau took to Twitter late on Sunday.

@IzzyFolau Everyone is entitled to their opinions! But I'll speak the truth when it's my time.

Folau told the media gathering that remarks made in the press over his character was upsetting to him and his family.

"I didn't promise anything [to Parramatta] ... from the time I left the Giants, all my options were open with rugby league and rugby union. There were no promises at all," he said.

"I met with Parramatta on Friday. For me there was nothing to hide. I met them face-to-face and told them what my decision was and how I was feeling, and that's how I operate.

"If I was entirely in it for the money, I would have stayed in the AFL for the remaining two years of my contract.

"I walked away from that deal and there was nothing that was secured to me in the future that was ready. For me it wasn't about that."

When asked on whether he would play on past the 2013 season, Folau was non-committal.

"I'm just excited that I've signed with the Waratahs and next season is all I'm worried about," he said.

"I'll try my best, playing the best I can. Obviously if I really enjoy it, I might play on, otherwise I'll explore my options."

Waratahs coach Cheika said Folau was a man of impeccable character and was happy to welcome him into the fold.

"The dealings I've had with Israel, from day one ... he's been honest, direct and I've really been happy with the way it's been set up," he said.

"The important thing is, first of all, that Israel gets into this team, meets his team-mates so that he's feeling good about himself, feeling good about the people he's playing footy with every day."

In a statement, Waratahs Rugby chief executive Jason Allen said Folau's signing marked a new, exciting chapter in the franchise's history.

"Winning Israel over to rugby union is a major boost for the Waratahs and an exciting prospect for Super Rugby fans across Australia," he said.

"As a player, Israel clearly has an exceptional talent but what was equally important to us was the enormous level of respect he commands from those who know him and have worked with him."

The Waratahs' Super Rugby rivals the Melbourne Rebels yesterday questioned how Folau could fit under the NSW side's salary cap.

The ARU has introduced $4.5 million salary cap for each of Australia's five Super Rugby clubs for the first time and takes effect from the start of next year.

The Rebels and the Waratahs are the only two Australian franchises to have a spot to fill on their 30-man rosters for next season, but the Melbourne side has shut the door on any prospect of signing the centre.

"I can't see how any Super Rugby clubs, including the Rebels, could afford him with the late timing and the salary caps that have been enforced," Rebels coach Damien Hill said on Monday.

Folau last week cited an absence of passion for AFL football after walking away from his deal with the GWS Giants, and last season's NRL wooden spooner Parramatta - under the guidance of former NSW State of Origin coach Ricky Stuart - was hot favourite to lure the 23-year-old back to rugby league.

News Limited reports had indicated the Eels had made a request to the NRL to deliberately break the salary cap in order to squeeze Folau onto their books for the next two seasons.

The NRL said on Friday that it had been working with the club to ensure Folau could fit under the Eels' salary cap for 2013 and "both believed that significant progress could be made".

But the league confirmed Folau had not accepted a formal, unconditional offer from Parramatta and the athletic back, who earned seven caps for Australia, would not play rugby league next season.

Folau's NRL career began in Melbourne in 2007, where he played 59 matches for the Storm before moving to Brisbane in 2009, scoring 36 tries in 37 appearances with the Broncos.

He made five State of Origin starts for Queensland and played in the inaugural NRL All Stars game in 2010.

Folau made his AFL debut for Greater Western Sydney in round one of 2012 and kicked his first of two career goals in round four against Adelaide.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, rugby-league, australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000, parramatta-2150, blacktown-2148, nsw, australia, pacific

First posted December 04, 2012 09:13:17

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Folau likely to leap into ruck

Updated March 02, 2012 18:04:39

Greater Western Sydney will leave no stone unturned as it seeks to find Israel Folau's best fit on the AFL field.

Folau was expected to play predominantly as a key forward this year, having looked his best in attack during the 2011 NEAFL season, but coach Kevin Sheedy revealed that may not be the case.

"He'll learn to play AFL in lots of positions," Sheedy said.

"We'll play him in the ruck, so he'll learn about that. He's got a fantastic spring. He's got magnificent, huge hands - so he can push the ball down.

"We're exploring all of those avenues for him to develop and keep improving."

Former Port Adelaide veteran Dean Brogan is the side's premier ruckman, while mature-age recruit Jonathan Giles was one of the Giants' most impressive in their competitive preseason start.

Giles, who spent four seasons on the Power's books without playing a game, is likely to shoulder the brunt of the ruck work this year.

Young ruck duo Tom Downie and Andrew Phillips have both been selected for GWS's clash with Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday, meaning Folau might have to bide his time before entering the ruck.

Folau's imposing frame, height, reach and leap will be more than handy assets at a centre bounce, and the move is not without history.

The former rugby league international had stints in the ruck in the NEAFL last year.

Meanwhile, Sheedy expects his side will face a fired-up Hawks in Tasmania.

"I think that the Hawthorn machine will be down there in full force," he said.

"They'll want to try and make sure they nail the NAB Cup, setting them up for an excellent season.

"And I don't blame them.

"I've been in that position myself. When you've been beaten in the preliminary final by a kick, you want to make sure you get back into that next grand final.

"We're alert to all of that."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000

First posted March 02, 2012 18:04:39

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Sheedy sees 40 goals for Folau

Updated February 03, 2012 18:28:48

At least one bookmaker is betting Israel Folau will not boot more than 10 goals in his first AFL season but Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has more faith in the rugby league convert.

The veteran coach reiterated on Friday that Folau is a certain starter for the round one derby against Sydney Swans at the Olympic stadium and feels the 22-year-old will succeed despite the doubters.

"He's a player that every time you left a challenge, he'd lift and have a go at it," Sheedy told reporters at a press conference marking 50 days until the March 24 clash between the Giants and Swans.

"I think Israel's become a better player through the training; kicked over 30 goals last year and probably would have kicked 40 if we hadn't have played him down the back half for four or five games.

"I think that he'll play all the NAB Cup games. He needs every game to get into playing against AFL-standard players.

"You just don't know. If he kicks two goals a game, plays every game - that's 40-odd - that's a good effort in his first year."

While Folau eagerly awaits the first big challenge of his AFL career a man who has been there and done it all, Swans legend Adam Goodes, says expectations should not be too high.

Despite Folau having represented Australia in rugby league, played grand finals and State of Origin matches, he is still just an AFL rookie according to the dual Brownlow medallist.

"I think the way I see Izzy, he's just like any first-year player coming into our footy group," Goodes said.

"If he was on my team I'd hate to put any expectations on him other than to go out and play well.

"If he takes a couple of marks and, like Sheeds says, gets a couple of goals a game then that's him playing his role.

"That's all Izzy can expect - to go out there in his first game and play as well for his team-mates and be a bit of a target in that forward line."

Goodes' coach John Longmire jokingly suggested the veteran Swan could find himself marking Folau in the historic derby clash.

But whoever he finds himself up against, Folau expects the game to be just as big as anything he experienced in his rugby league career.

"It's just as important, the build-up to this game," Folau said.

"On a personal level it's pretty big for myself.

"It's going to be a long year for myself ... but I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge."

The first step in establishing a rivalry between the two clubs was taken on Friday with the announcement of a medal named in honour of Swans' great Brett Kirk for the best-on-ground in the fixture.

Goodes says he is eagerly anticipating playing in the first intra-city derby of his long career.

"I've never had it before so I'm definitely excited," he said.

"You see the teams in Adelaide and Perth ... even the Suns against Brisbane last year ... I just thought it was fantastic."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, blacktown-2148

First posted February 03, 2012 18:12:27

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Folau finds feet for Giants

Published:Tuesday, May 31, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Monday, August 29, 2011 7:23 AEST

Former rugby league star Israel Folau has displayed improved form in the forward line for AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney.

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Tags: australian-football-league, nrl, canberra-2600

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Folau kicks four goals

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 22/05/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

Former NRL star Israel Folau scored four goals for Greater Western Sydney in their AFL clash against Queanbeyan.

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Folau chosen as AFL ambassador

Published:Wednesday, May 18, 2011 7:22 AESTExpires:Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:22 AEST

Sydney Swans midfielder Kieran Jack and GWS recruit Israel Folau have been announced as the AFL's latest ambassadors.

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Tags: australian-football-league, sydney-2000

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Folau to watch Origin but happy in AFL

Updated May 18, 2011 14:20:00

Israel Folau says he will be watching rugby league's State of Origin series opener but has no second thoughts about his code switch.

A year ago Folau was at the centre of controversy after Queensland picked him the final two matches of the Origin series after he had announced his multi-million dollar code defection to fledgling AFL club Greater Western Sydney.

This week he is quietly continuing on his steep learning curve as the Giants prepare for their AFL debut next year.

It is a world away from the hype surrounding his former team-mates in the record-breaking Maroons Origin team but Folau says he has had no second thoughts about his move to the AFL.

"Obviously it is a bit different compared to 12 months ago but I'm not thinking about it at all now, my focus is making a success of the move to Greater Western Sydney," he said.

"I will be watching it on Wednesday, I wish the boys all the best, I enjoyed my time in rugby league but my focus is now on this new challenge."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, rugby-league, nrl, blacktown-2148, brisbane-4000

First posted May 18, 2011 14:19:00

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Folau denies he's going anywhere

Posted May 13, 2011 18:18:00

Million-dollar AFL investment Israel Folau has scuttled reports within his own code that he wants to return to rugby league.

Former premiership-winning player and coach David Parkin said he had heard Folau had confided in "certain people" he no longer wanted to continue with his AFL odyssey.

"That's certainly not true," said the softly-spoken Folau on Friday in Brisbane.

"I'm here (AFL) now and I am certainly enjoying it.

"All the people on the outside can say what they like. I can't control that, but I'm fully committed for the next four years and I am loving it at the moment.

"I don't worry about it to be honest.

"I'm just trying to train hard and improve myself, develop the body of an AFL player and continue to learn to play that game."

While they were close mates playing rugby league for Brisbane and Queensland, Folau had not spoken much to Karmichael Hunt since they both switched.

"I've been watching his games closely and he's going pretty good," said Folau, who had shed six kilograms as part of his transition.

"He's one bloke I know who doesn't listen to the criticism he gets from the outside and he's going well."

Folau, who has found reading the play and being in the right position to get the ball hardest to learn, continues his development at Brisbane's Giffin Park on Saturday when the GWS Giants play a trial against the Lions reserve grade.

"I just have to be patient and that will come over time as I play more games," he said.

GWS assistant coach Craig Lambert felt Folau was making "unbelievable progress".

"He knows he's still got to improve a lot, but the way he supports our younger players, he's been enormous for us," Lambert said.

While Lambert was disappointed with Parkin's comments, he said Folau was a strong young man.

"He knows he's going to cop that most of his career," he said.

"I remember when Daniel Merrett arrived at Brisbane, with little experience at playing AFL, it took him five years before he was a consistent full-back.

"With Israel, we all want him to be this superstar straight away.

"It would be nice for everyone just to be patient."

Lambert admitted when he arrived at the Giants last November, Folau looked "big and awkward".

"His ability to work hard, to learn and to seek help - his development has been fantastic," he said.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, blacktown-2148

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