A Queensland homecoming could be on the cards for Israel Folau if he opts to continue his rugby union career in Australia next year.
While the NSW Waratahs are desperate to retain the off-contract Wallabies superstar, speculation has emerged about a shift to their fiercest Super Rugby rivals.
The 29-year-old has held talks with Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn regarding a possible move next year, according to News Corp Australia.
The Reds become the latest club linked to Folau, after talk of a $1.4 million dollar deal from England’s Sale Sharks and an NRL offer from Gold Coast Titans.
But there could be something in it if his relationships with key figures at the Waratahs have become strained, despite claims to the contrary from inside the franchise.
An incredulous tweet from Folau’s wife Maria at the weekend suggested some discontent over Folau being used on the wing instead of his preferred fullback position.
Coach Daryl Gibson switched Folau to the wing earlier this season and, while he started at fullback in the narrow loss to the Blues on Saturday, he was shifted to the wing for the crucial closing stages as bench players arrived.
“OMG @NSWWaratahs why do you keep playing @IzzyFolau on the wing????,” tweeted Maria Folau.
Folau has always maintained publicly that he’s happy to play wherever asked and NSW assistant coach Chris Malone insisted on Monday that remained the case, saying there had been numerous discussions about it.
Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore on Tuesday attempted to hose down departure talk, issuing a short statement.
“Israel said publicly last week that contract negotiations are still ongoing with us and Rugby Australia,” said Hore.
“As far as we are aware, reports of a move to another Super Rugby franchise is purely speculation.
“We have said before what value he brings to our team, and that has not changed.”
There’s no doubt Folau would be a huge asset for the Reds, who won’t comment on transfer speculation.
Aidan Toua has been serviceable at fullback for them this season – replacing the banished Karmichael Hunt – but Folau would be a major step up and add an extra dimension to the team’s struggling attack.
Folau grew up in Logan, a short drive south of Brisbane, and previously played for Brisbane in the NRL and for the Queensland State of Origin team.
However, the Reds would need to find a way to offload Hunt, Quade Cooper and Nick Frisby to make a move for Folau financially workable.
All three are unwanted by Thorn but are contracted to the club until the end of 2019.
Hunt is seemingly unwilling to risk injury by playing in Brisbane club rugby and appears to be biding his time until a suitable offer from Europe arrives, with no chance he will return to the Reds fold after his second drug indiscretion.
Cooper is also keen to work his way back into Thorn’s good books and has, according to The Australian, knocked back offers to play out the season with the Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels, while Frisby is on loan to French club Bordeaux for this season.
cinque
Guest
I wonder whether the Folau clan thought that Queenslanders - regarded as tending to the conservative side - might be more accepting of his tweets and views.
brian
Guest
No, Aspley is part of Brisbane. But it is not called Aspley City. Logan is called Logan City. Just because they are connected by sprawl doesn't necessarily make them the same place. Look at Townsville-Thuringowa, or Sydney-Blacktown-Penrith. Sure it is generally connected. But it is not administered as such. Logan City administers a huge area to the southwest of Logan Central. It is not just the bits you see next to the highway on the way to the Gold Coast.
brian
Guest
I was in an EH when I lived in Brisbane
Peter Kelly
Guest
The give it to Izzy seems to be a great game plan to beat the Kiwis with, didnt seem to work against the Blues. Oops forgot the Warratahs were the best team just unlucky.
Peter Kelly
Guest
Never heard Thorn preach or even new he was religious, dont understand why some feel the need to tell others how to live and love.
Peter Kelly
Guest
Religion has been mixing and matching forever, they even chose which writings to include and excluded from the bible.
Peter Kelly
Guest
I didnt get the joke
radAd
Guest
The words of a man called out for his bullshit and can't be bothered backing himself.
AndyS
Guest
You say that like being smooched, liking it and/or being in a closet is something intended to insult or that he would need to be ashamed of. A bit hypocritical, wouldn't you say?
Cynical Play
Guest
yeah you and him can plan the hell-fires together. He might smooch you though. Might be in the closet. You might like that.
Jacko
Guest
i clap good rugby no matter what day it is
Jacko
Guest
Nonsense. It says Gay people are sinners...it also says we are ALL sinners so your extreme views are very wrong....Or do YOU see ALL people as not a complete person? Your extreme hatred for others who are different says more about you than any one else
Jacko
Guest
What payout...just stop picking him...if he tweets again haul him in and put limits on his activity re social media then sack him if he stuffs up...No need to pay him out at all
Jacko
Guest
yes....I dont have to shout Folau as he doesnt drink and no one urinates on me....Is that what you got that is says a bit about me?
Birdy
Guest
Not a question. A statement. Now go away. The repitition bores me.
Angus Kennedy
Guest
Thorn will snap him up. Brad likes to clap along on Sundays too.
piru
Roar Rookie
Funny he doesn't feel the need to wave it around like Folau then
piru
Roar Rookie
That's a bit on the nose NVFS
bluffboy
Guest
It would be stranger and more concerning if the comments were on topic. What were we talking about again..........
Cynical Play
Guest
Yes there is a deep arrogance behind his extremist view about homosexuality. It's says that the gay person is not a complete person, that they will suffer because of their difference. It is the most arrogant of positions, and no different from the extreme end of the muslim spectrum. True, pure arrogance coupled with a closed mind. Go away Izzy.