ARU boss Bill Pulver is pottering with Israel Folau and if he’s not careful he’ll lose him.
Pulver has just today and tomorrow to lock Folau into a contract to take him through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The edict – sign for two more years, or you won’t be in the 25-man Wallaby squad for the Lions series.
But Pulver has backed off.
“As far as we’re concerned we are eager to sign Israel Folau as soon as he is ready, it’s completely unrelated as to whether he achieves a Wallaby jersey or not”, was Pulver’s explanation.
As soon as he is ready?
Which begs the question, who is running rugby – Pulver, Folau, or his manager Isaac Moses?
In just 11 games of Super Rugby, Folau has stamped himself in the top six for Wallaby selection with Will Genia, George Smith, James Horwill, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Digby Ioane.
Obviously Pulver doesn’t agree, and that might just answer the question why he’s not pressing Folau for his signature.
“Whether he gets selected or not for the British and Irish Lions series, there’s only one man who controls that, but even if he’s not in the squad there is still plenty of opportunity for him to be named in a squad going forward,” said Pulver.
Are we talking about the same bloke Israel Folau who keeps carving up opponents every week as though they weren’t there?
Even if he’s not in the squad?
That’s the second time in a week Folau has been mentioned as a casualty come Sunday along with Quade Cooper, and George Smith.
Not possible, or have the inmates taken over the asylum?
Usually in rugby where there’s smoke there’s fire. Pulver will regret not taking a tougher stand with Folau if he returns to rugby league next season.
And that would be a tragic waste of talent as the very best convert and a vital cog in the Wallaby machiney for three seasons.
With Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Dan Palmer, and Sitaleki Timani all heading overseas next season, the Wallabies 2015 Rugby World Cup ranks are thinning rapidly.
But the potential loss of Folau would be the most devastating. He is a rare talent.
So just two days to go Bill Pulver, make them work.
VOG
Guest
The AFL spent millions on the guy as a publicity stunt. If he plays against the Lions (considering that he is good enough) the AFL will have spent millions on publicty for RU in the AFL states. Surely you want to grow the game in the Mexican hinterlands, and with your most impressive showpiece. Surely a no brainer.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
No, we just don't want him to make fun of the proud history of a Lions test, by getting a once in 12 years spot only to never play another game of rugby. If he wants to play League, let him. Good luck to him, I wish him the best. We can beat the Lions without him.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
The reason League and Rugby are so low on that list is because we're tough, and wouldn't lose face by reporting a minor injury.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Absolutely. Particularly don't cheapen the honour of playing against the Lions. No glory boy mercenaries allowed, either commit or miss out. The game is no longer amateur but we should still try to retain some of our history and ethos.
amband
Guest
actually, that is a point
amband
Guest
he was also warned off over the Melbourne Storm salary cap affair. Make no mistake. Whatever decision Izzy comes to, the manager, Moses will be behind it. That's his job, after all. We only hope he acts in Izzy's interests, and I think his best interests is rugby and the greater rugby world that awaits him
amband
Guest
agreed on GI and Billy. If only a couple of props would come over
amband
Guest
Izzy will do what his manager's wallet advises. That is why he has a manager
Jukes
Guest
I dont understand this notion that you need to sign a player for longer than 2 years to be considered eligible to play for the Wallabies. If a player is playing under a 1 year contract or a 3 year contract why does it matter. If your good enough to play for the Wallabies you should include them in the squad. Why this pressure to sign him. If he is good enough to play against the British and Irish Lions then you MUST include him in the squad. If Folau decides to play on for more than this year then you select him for the World Cup squad if he is good enough. You can see that Folau is really enjoying Rugby and he is carving it up. I think there is a good chance he will stay on regardless.
EASTS
Guest
Give him back to us
A Different Cat.
Guest
At the end of this year if Israel goes back to union will he have added to union? YES MASSIVELY. Whats the problem? Is ther one? If Greg Inglis was to sign for 1 year, would it be bad or good? GOOD WITHOUT A DOUBT. And yet we are considering changing the rules to prevent it. Put simply, how dumb. Im sorry but I see absolutely no merrit in what is being said here.
A Different Cat.
Guest
I see no reason to treat Israel differently to any other player and to demand he sign before he becomes a Wallaby is treating Israel differently. No player in the history of the game has been treated this way and players coming across for 1 year stints isnt a problem but David is pretending it is. Yeah lets not have Greg Inglis at all, thats much better than for 1 year...IN WHAT UNIVERSE?. Are you trying to say that A) league players coming across for 1 year is a problem and B) we must change the laws to prevent it? Did anyone actually think this through? Code hopping does nothing for the sport? Except in reality when SBW and Folau have been sensations and Brad Thorn was a great success. All have added to union and all have brought interest to the game. What are you talking about David?
catcat
Guest
It's the same old problem for all selections for rep teams ..do you pick players on form, on experience or players to groom/blood for the future....you just need to pick which one is it is.......
Chris
Guest
Was there this much fuss over the previous converts? Falou grew up, living and loving RL. Followed his mate KH to the AFL, was terrible so tried to go back to RL until the NRL dropped the ball and his only other option was this sabbatical in RU. Ofcourse he is going to say he loves it and wants to stay. Did the same at GWS. Read between the lines, he's going back. Code hopping is the way of the future and if national teams fron either codestart ruling those guys out then they will both be worse off. Finally, its only your love of the sport if youre thinking this will somehow damage RU if he gets a wallaby jumper. The only damage it will do is to a pub debate
BULLDOGS 4EVER
Guest
David I agree with you 100 % about Israel ,but Israel is coming to the BULLDOGS in 2014
Justin2
Guest
Did any of them say he was "off" to league...
BULLDOGS 4EVER
Guest
Hot off the press, Bill Pulver will be Canterbury - Bankstown new CEO . that why Billy don't want to sign Israel Falou because Izzy coming to the BULLDOGS in 2014.
amband
Guest
Hang on. Isaac Moses! He was banned over the Storm salary cap scandal
amband
Guest
I'm all for code hoppers
amband
Guest
here we go again. Israel went to the wrong school. I'd also bet Moses is hanging on for better money, for him. Folau is better off without him