Israel Folau has once again turned his back on the NRL to take up an offer to play rugby union overseas.
Parramatta and the NRL announced on Friday that Folau would not make a much-anticipated return to the code he left at the end of 2010.
Folau quit AFL’s Greater Western Sydney Giants on October 31 saying he wanted to return to rugby league with the Eels.
But after protracted negotiations Parramatta were informed that Folau would instead join rugby, with France’s Top 14 competition a possible destination.
“This has come as something of a surprise to us today,” Eels chief executive Ken Edwards said in a statement.
“Our offer to Israel was unconditional. We have worked closely with the NRL and have always been confident that salary-cap issues would be resolved.
“It is disappointing that Izzy (Folau) at this stage has chosen to pursue another path but we’ve also been clear that we are about having players who are focussed on what we are trying to achieve as a club.
“It is why we had previously ruled out short-term appearances with other codes. We are comfortable with our current playing roster ahead of the 2013 season.”
The Nine Network reported Folau turned down a four-year deal worth $3 million.
Interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said the NRL and the Eels had done everything they could to lure Folau back to rugby league.
“We worked in good faith with the club to ensure that Israel’s contract could be met within the (salary) cap and it is unfortunate that he has elected to pursue another path,” said Mattiske.
“It would have been nice to see Israel back in the NRL because it is the game he is most suited to and the one that I think would have given him the biggest challenge in facing the best athletes in the most exciting contests week in and week out.
“Ultimately, though, it is his choice and we have to respect that. I think Parramatta has done everything possible and we have certainly worked closely with them in that process.”
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
He will be sensational in Rugby Union just as Tuquiri was. Whatever you do son just don't return any calls from Mundine or that half wit agent of his
langou
Roar Guru
He will be playing in the NFL in 2014
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Playing in the UK,is a mere stones throw from Europe. Last I heard the ESL had a French team. It appears some union tragics are unaware of such a thing. Then again players perhaps get sick of living out of suitcases ,flying the red eyes. Good to see someone knocking one's own home towns and cities.
Shungmao
Guest
Clubs shaft players all the time, welcome to professional sport. Plenty of great payers in league to watch ...move on.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
He may well do so,but he is away from family and friends,Sandow is not. Sandow is at least consistent,we knew he was going,he didn't change his mind,after sucking everyone in. The more players the French ru clubs secure from overseas,the less chance of poaching local rl juniors,who recently beat the AIS.Being of French descent and knowing the sporting history there ,that is at least comforting.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
No reason to be so.Just reporting the facts.Good luck to them.
redhead
Guest
Great move for the tahs if they get him. He'll be a sensation in rugby. Good on ya izzy !
p.Tah
Guest
Actually I was wrong. It's Issac Moses
p.Tah
Guest
David Riolo at Titan Management http://www.titanmanagement.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=87
Atawhai Drive
Guest
Reports tonight (Saturday) that he is heading to the Waratahs.
Football United
Guest
this, the best players are eventually going to move for the money, wallabies jersey or not. The french are going to increase the pay divide between us and them while we continue with this dumb salary cap. We were dumb enough to persist with it at the RWC when George Smith who could have been a handy back up to injured pocock or even earlier by not giving mark gasnier a call.As long as they are playing at top level clubs, who cares? There are always more players to replace those that go, both young players and very talented foreigners who are getting shut out because of the ARU's closed shop policy. At the very least it would mean the ARU doesn't have to pay players ridiculous salaries.
JB
Guest
Wait, wait! He hasn't , by any chance, got an 'agent' by the name of 'KN' has he?
oikee
Guest
Yeah, Iconic world cities???? snigger snigger. Melbourne voted worlds most liveable, with nearly every other Aussie city in the Top 20 worldwide. Melbourne, the Europe of Australia, they lost their way abit. :) Townsville, just across the road from one of the natural wonders of the world, Great barrier Reef. Penrith, right inside the future hub of the next largest city area in Australia. Wollongong, where Pacific ocean veiws are on display at their local ground. Come on mate, do you really have any idea or you just weeing in our pockets,. Sydney, worlds best harbour city, none equal, Brisbane World heritage sites on our doorstep. Moreton Island dugong santuary with Frazer largest sand iisland in the world up the road, we have the second and third biggest sitting out in Moreton bay. Across the ditch we have NZ. No you need to get out more. Queenslands mining industry is nothing bit a scratch on our surface. .045% of our state land area. We are the largest supplier of coal worldwide. We eat coal for breakfast. If we want to see europe, we will in the off-season. In the meantime the worlds greatest rugby league code is played in these Exotic places you describe. Australia is that exotic place, we are living it.
Greg
Guest
Bitter much?
Greg
Guest
It makes no sense. All the best players would play in Europe and we would only get to see them when there clubs (hopefully) release them to come home and play internationals.
Greg
Guest
The ignorance of some league tragics is amazing. Every player that leaves league, does it for the money only? Maybe they just got sick of flying to iconic worldly cities like Townsville, penrith and Wollongong, and world rather fly to backwaters like Cape Town, Paris or Buenos Aries instead..
Johnno
Guest
The lack of respect for French rugby or europe rugby here is staggering. Some of your blokes are thinking he is going over for a holiday and will milk easy money. Wrong , he is getting paid big money to play top level rugby, and if fails they'll sack him. French rugby is notorious for spitting out players , who fail. And coz they are overseas even if they sign big contracts, they just you, and know you won't have the language skills, or the knowledge of the french legal system to be able to stand up for your self in a french court and claim unfair dismissal. So players just get sacked and leave, knowing they got no chance to win in court. And the french clubs are demanding, you have to play a lot of matches in the season. But some love it, Matt Giteau is loving France he says, as is Luke Burgess. Giteau has some French heritage. So you have to embrace a new culture no doubt, but South of France can be a lot of fun, passionate fans, the chance to play in a HEK cup it's quite fun, and a lot of foreign imports form all over the World. Japan rugby they work the players very hard training wise in a short season. If Izzy adapts culturally wise in French top 14 to life in France he will be fine. France is a 1st world country, if someone offered me big money for 1 year in France i'd take it for sure , be a great rugby experience. And what many don't know is Izzy Folau played rugby as a teenager so knows about the sport. And who know he could be going to England,wales,scotland or Italy for all we know.
RUGBY
Roar Rookie
Im sure Izzy will do better in France than Sandow at redfern milking money from my club.
sledgeandhammer
Guest
x 1. I'd love to see him play for Tonga.
Dave
Guest
Wow. Oikee you and I$$y do that many backflips why don't you both try gymnastics as your next sport.