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As I woke up a tad groggy on Sunday morning (I had been up all night watching the Barbarians versus Lions game), my morning went from bad to worse when I switched on the TV to my morning sports news.
The first headline mentioned: Israel Folau had all but agreed to terms to sign with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Which means that there is a 95% certainty that he will sign for them.
Izzy, what? No? You’re great in rugby! Why? What happened to Team Tonga with Cliffy Palu, Taf and Peter Betham?
Like all union fans I was shocked, gutted and dumbfounded. I can only wonder how gutted they are at NSWRU headquarters.
Money aside, why on earth would you switch to the Bulldogs of all places? Like really? Playing at Parramatta or Paris? Brookvale or Bloemfontein? Training at Twickenham or Toongabbie?
You seem like a nice, quiet unassuming guy Izzy. Rugby union offered you an olive branch when your contract talks went sour with the Eels, and a very respectable salary.
Even if Robbie Deans has a successful season, it’s unlikely that he will be around next year; he wants to win and you’re lucky you have found yourself in the right place at the right time.
What on earth must the South Africans and the Kiwis be thinking about your decision? They’d be gobsmacked. Nobody puts a price on their jersey!
No-one knows what your manager is saying in your ear (probably serving in the best interest of his commission, ka-ching).
This story too could have its political intentions; whether this story is to try and squeeze the last drop out of the ARU as a bargaining ploy or the NRL trying to divert the attention from the Lions series prior to Origin.
It is hardly an appropriate way to behave or conduct business by you and your management team given the timing going into a Lions series and potentially your first international for the Wallabies.
On the flip side you have the potential to be an Olympian, play in rugby world cups and play all over the world.
Isn’t that enough of a carrot in itself to dangle in front of anyone? People train all their lives in their respective fields to become an Olympian, and here you have it nearly served on a plate for you, and that’s still not good enough?
If Bill Pulver and the ARU can only offer $680,000 at best, while the Bulldogs offering around $750K, you’re only going to net about 35K extra after tax. Is it worth it? Does loyalty to play for your country in a world game really that cheap when you’re on the best cash possible?
Also in terms of your development, if you wanted to become a better player, stay in rugby. The game demands a more varied skill set, you’re more aware of you peripherals and it’s also faster.
Israel, you seem like an admirable type guy who has athletic gifts that by far exceed anyone, you have the potential to be one of the greatest rugby footballers of all time across many borders. This is an opportunity that only rugby union can advance across multiple nations.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.