Israel Folau has revealed the chance to finally break the Waratahs’ long-standing Super Rugby drought played a key role in his re-committing to rugby for two more years.
The former rugby league star and AFL player signed a new two-year contract with the ARU and Waratahs on Thursday that will keep him with the code until the 2015 World Cup.
The Melbourne Storm grand final winner was linked to a return to the NRL with Canterbury, after rebuffing Parramatta’s advances last year, but has remained committed to the 15-a-side code after a stunning debut season.
And the Wallabies winger told Fox Sports’ Rugby HQ that a shot at winning a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs was a motivating factor.
“From day one with `Cheik’ (NSW coach Michael Cheika) I felt a great connection,” Folau said.
“I felt like we had a pretty tight group … I felt that straight away.
“And I feel like we can do a lot of great things in years to come.
In Cheika’s first season the Waratahs enjoyed an indifferent Super Rugby campaign to place third in the Australian conference and ninth overall.
But it was a far cry from the 2012 season which NSW ended on a record losing streak.
Folau said he and the Waratahs had plenty to build on from Cheika’s first season.
“As a group we can be happy with the season,” he said.
“But I’m sure we can do a lot better than that for the next few seasons.”
Folau’s decision to stick with rugby sets him up to exceed his achievements in rugby league, where he earned eight caps for Australia, including playing in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
The fullback for the Waratahs and winger for the Wallabies was named Australian Super Rugby rookie of the year and – despite limited opportunities with the ball – also impressed for the Wallabies, scoring three tries in his first five Tests.
jameswm
Roar Guru
How do the Tahs not raise their own? Most of the squad has come through the Juniors, even Beale coming back. AAC was a Tahs junuior I think before going to the Brums for his break. He's a Central Coast local. Horne, Betham, Crawford, Palu, Dennis, Skelton, Douglas, TPN, Robinson, Ryan, Tilse etx all came through the Tahs.
Ajax
Guest
Mate, you guys say that every year... but this time I do agree.. the Tahs look good on paper... LOL...;-)
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Fitzpatrick has already left for France.
Jagman
Guest
Perhaps that's just to avoid putting his captain off guard. Potgeiter plays blindside for the Bulls. If he didn't say that everyone would assume he's there to replace Dennis, and maybe he is.
Jagman
Guest
Reserve hooker will be Tolu Latu from Syd Uni. Played well in both games against the Argies. Still only 20 though. Also there's a chance perhaps of landing Hugh Roach from Eastwood but its likely he's off to the Force. He played for them against the Lions. Both these guys have a high potential. Roach extremely high except that he might be too small for the front row.
Jagman
Guest
Actually Jez Pat Leafa (hooker) is looking pretty good for Manly over the past two games. He will be good for the Rebels. I agree somewhat with Jiggles that the Waratahs pack is a shambles, however it is still made up of 7 or 8 forwards who drew with the All Blacks last year and defeated Wales and england. Look at how the Wallabies play now with only one Waratah in the starting pack. So there must be some way to rally them when they put on the Sky blue. One reason why the Waratahs will definitely finish ahead of the Rebels is because of depth. The Rebels can field a good starting pack and decent backs except for 10s and 12s but get an injury and they're fielding Rokobaro or Angus Roberts or a lock like Chris Thompson. The best way to look at the difference is the fact that Kingston will be a starting player at the Rebels but was going nowhere fast at the Waratahs. He wouldn't make the 23.
Jagman
Guest
No second string? actually the Waratahs fielded a team against a full Argentinian Test team this year that was missing Robinson, TPN, Douglas, Hooper, Palu, Phipps, Beale, AAC, and Folau from next years starting 15 and they led most of the game only to lose at the last minute. They also never played to win really, never taking penalty goals and choosing to always run the ball for the sake of the practice I guess. Argentina were playing to win of course and took plenty of penalty goals in comparison. The Waratahs also smashed the Force with a second string team this year when most of their first team was held back for the Lions tour. Waratahs seem to have wrapped up key up and comers from the Shute shield. Alofa Alofa, winger with incredible acceleration. Lolohea is a massive prop. Latu is Syd Uni's best hooker and a future Wallaby. Jack Dempsey is a highly rated backrower also touted as future Wallaby much like Qlds Browning. Usiah O'Sullivan one big centre/winger from West Harbour.
Chan Wee
Guest
errr Jack Poitgeter is a 6 (in SA 7) and not a 2nd rower. palu is injury prone now, so... IMO Beale will play 10 and Folau 15. betham and crawford the wingers to start. NSWW may have a good XV but there it stops. No bench and certainly no 2nd string. The S15 leading teams all have a good bench and adequate backups (well bulls used to till this year's exodous) chiefs crusaders brumbies. squad depth will either make a team galvanize and put in a brave performance like some of the saffers or sink like others. another point is having a lot of stars does not mean they play a good team-game. look at the chiefs : only a handful of all blacks but the best team in nz now. however Chiefs seem to be building more squad depth . they r going for savea, tom marshall mCkintosh as of now. already they have a few MIB - messam cane ben a ben t brodie cruden tkb. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2013%E2%80%9314_Super_Rugby_transfers#Chiefs
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah my mind is pretty made up! :D Agree we need tight carrying ability in our forward packs - doesn't mean those players don't have to hit rucks as well.
Justin3
Guest
:) I know we won't agree jez with regard to Pyle. Hopefully you do agree we need a forward who can run the ball effectively, whoever that maybe and offload as well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
He gets plaudits for running the ball - if that is his key skill then he should be a back.
Justin3
Guest
No he gets plaudits for great play its just you don't like his style for his position.
js-nz
Guest
Well good luck Folau, although there are some pretty good teams standing in between you and that glory...
jeznez
Roar Guru
Cheers Boomer. Definitely still a lot of change in the squad. Reserve hooker looks like the key remaining selection to me.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Potgeiter will add a hard edge mongrel to the Waratahs pack. Something they desperately need.
Ash Dowling
Roar Rookie
I am very happy with this signing ,I would love to see him reach his full potential in rugby.I hope Ewen gets him more involved in the remaining tests on the wing or fullback.
Seb Vettel
Guest
Bring back Carter.
Seb Vettel
Guest
oh well. That higgers was a hopeless overhyped seagull for years. Went to the Rebels and became a pretty good number 8 for Australia. Maybe Pyle should try going elsewhere.
Seb Vettel
Guest
Don't you mean like the entire NRL. Buying up Auckland.
Simon_Sez
Roar Guru
There are some great prospects playing 10 in club rugby, why wouldn't one try some of them out.