Wallabies superstar Israel Folau has not ruled out an off-season switch from the NSW Waratahs to the Queensland Reds.
Preparing for Saturday’s Super Rugby quarter-final against the Highlanders, the Waratahs fullback said he was aware of the “rumours” about a move north but described them as “white noise.”
Born in western Sydney, Folau moved to Brisbane in his early teens and played for both the Broncos NRL club and the Queensland Origin rugby league side.
He spent two years each at the Melbourne Storm, Broncos and AFL club Greater Western Sydney, but has spent the last six seasons playing rugby with the Waratahs.
Fronting the media on Tuesday, Folau gave no indication he was about to re-sign and perhaps ominously for the Tahs talked about having many options.
Asked about the speculation surrounding a move to the Reds, Folau said: “I know there’s rumours going round.
“But not from my end in the sense that my management are taking control of that.
“So it’s a bit of white noise in the background, but nothing to worry about from my end.
“There’s no timeline. I’m just going to take my time and see what best for me.
“There’s so many options I guess from my point of view, that I’ll have a look at once the season comes to an end.
“But at this stage I’m just thinking about the game on the weekend.”
Folau said there were a number of factors he would take into consideration before making his decision.
“My family and where I’m at at this time of my career, I’m not even thinking about it at the moment,” he said.
Saturday’s match features arguably the world’s two best fullbacks in Folau and the Highlanders’ All Blacks star Ben Smith, who is set to be recalled after being rested last week.
Folau’s assessment of how to contain Smith sounds very similar to how opposing teams would try to rope in his own attacking game.
“Obviously he is good in the air with the ball, so if you can limit the opportunities,” Folau said.
“Probably kicking away from him as much as you can and starve him of possession is probably a good way to keep him out of the game.”
Waratahs and Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale said he was fully recovered from a bout of tonsillitis and ready to go after being replaced early in the second half of their loss to the Brumbies last Saturday.
Carn Reds
Roar Rookie
What happened to the other 9 James Tuttle ? He was the talk of the town in 2017 and now seems only to be playing club footy
taylorman
Roar Guru
He probably shouldnt go to Toulon because as at home he would probably be, hed be fined 100k plus. ?
stu
Guest
Izzy F weak link.. As a skilled 15 and defender... Yes, weak link indeed.
Johnno
Guest
I reckon you are spot on there Aussi. Is it also part of the reason Quade isnt there.
piru
Roar Rookie
DC was plenty fast enough to get the job done. I'm pretty sure I remember him outrunning an entire B&I Lions side for a length of the field solo try.
piru
Roar Rookie
Do these 'rumours' come from the players and their agents themselves?
bluffboy
Guest
Yep...……….
Reality Check
Guest
Dan Carter not fast ? Maybe at the end of his career he slowed and became faster between the ears. He was very quick when he was younger or does that not fit your narrative? Go watch the 2005 lions series, it might jog your fading memory. Mehrtens not fast . BS. How old are you ? 18 ? Foley ? Forget him, he is garbage. Sopoanga is average at best. Mounga is faster than Stewart.
Jacko
Guest
RC its speed between the ears that counts.....Dan Carter not fast...Foley not fast...Sopounga not fast Mounga not fast Mertrins not fast...Now BB and Dmac...they are fast What I dont understand is Aussie sides not really willing to give young guys a go...Maddocks looks to be a great prospect at 10 but they dont play him there...Stewert held back a bit this year...Just give them a shot
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep agree with that. Should never have let him go in the first place. Liam Gill after captaining Aussie U20s in SA should have been a priority and a future Wallabies skipper. Classy strong player. Not sure Toulon will let him go that easily though.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Kerevi on the bench? I shake my head sometimes...
jameswm
Roar Guru
Folau is a weak link?
Reality Check
Guest
He was 20 in March, sorry mate you are up to super level already or you develop in the NRC. Former Reds 10 Elton Flatley was ready at 18. Stewart has shown me nothing ,one thing i did notice about him was his lack of speed. That you cannot ever teach.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Roll On bud.
aussikiwi
Guest
Wonder if the fundamentalist Christian connection has anything to do with it. Can imagine BT privately applauding his "unrepentant gays go to hell" stance.
Sage
Roar Rookie
How old is Stewart now, 19? I don't understand your death riding of this guy. He's developing, give him a chance. I think he looks promising but you may be right, he may not amount to anything. But lets give him a chance though rather than writing him off at 19. I think he and Sorovi's combination will surprise a few people over the next few years.
Reality Check
Guest
You wont win many games with Stewart at 10.
Cyclops
Guest
Naaahh. Weaklinks at 10 and 15.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The same way he still is at the Waratahs.
Riddler
Guest
With rodada tui.. Timu/sean mac as 3rd option.. Wright also a 4th option from time to time.. Line out will be fine.. Bfa another off-season of practise.. Wright has the makings of something special I think.. He was very good against the rebels and wolves.. Another off season of his body filling out.. And under the tutelage of thorn and crapper.. That team has quite a few future long term wallabies in it I think..