He criticised Israel’s Folau’s actions as selfish, but Will Genia admits feeling sorry for the banished Wallabies superstar and sad that he’s likely to be lost to rugby forever.
Gathering in Brisbane for a pre-World Cup Wallabies camp, Genia said it was a good chance for players to regroup following Folau’s contract termination.
Folau has until 3pm on Monday to appeal against the loss of his lucrative Rugby Australia contract after a three-person panel found on Friday that his controversial social media posts warranted his sacking.
It came after Folau last month defied RA warnings following a similar previous incident, posting a biblical quote which said “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” would go to hell unless they repented.
At the time, Genia spoke out against his long-time Wallabies teammate, describing his actions as “selfish” and his view “completely wrong”.
But that didn’t stop the news of his termination rocking the Test halfback, who said it was the saddest experience he’d had as a rugby player.
He sent Folau a text following the decision to check on his welfare.
“I’m sad for the game and sorry for him and I just really hope he’s OK,” Genia said.
“At the end of the day he’s got feelings, he’s got emotions, he’s got a family and from all the time I’ve spent with him, he loves playing the game and to have that taken away from him, I’m sure he would be really upset.
“With everything that’s happened, he’s lost out on the opportunity to do what he loves and he’s still young and he’s an unbelievable player and he’s not going to be able to play the game anymore and that’s really sad.”
Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard spoke after his Bulls’ Super Rugby win over Melbourne and also said he was disappointed such a talent would be lost.
“Israel is probably one of the best players in the world, not just in Australia,” Pollard said.
“I don’t know all the details about it and I only know him from the locker room but not only an unbelievable talent, but he’s a great guy.
“Hopefully there’s a way we can still see him playing rugby because it’s an absolute treat.”
RA boss Raelene Castle said after the announcement she was confident the threat of a Polynesian player boycott would not eventuate, and Genia agreed.
“I can’t really speak on other people’s behalf but from my perspective, there’s nothing you can really do about it,” Genia said.
“The situation has been dealt with and you’ve just got to move forward.
“As sad as it is, at least there’s been some sort of conclusion to what’s happened and guys can learn from it and move on and do their best to understand why.”
Genia, who has played 100 Tests since 2009 and played in two World Cups, said the focus now needs to turn to the Japan tournament, which gets underway in September.
The Brisbane squad is similar to the one that assembled at the last two camps, based on last year’s Spring Tour squad, but with additions such as Quade Cooper, James Slipper and Luke Jones.
“That’s the whole purpose of the camps – getting guys together who are well and truly in the mix or who are going to be there,” Genia said.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Folau isn’t being sacked for his religious beliefs, He is being sacked for his discriminatory behavior, it just happens to be religiously motivated, for which, the law doesn’t care. Anti-discrimination takes precedence over religious expression. Like I said, they saw this one coming. and filled that hole with concrete.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Timbo (L). Hate to deflate your inner lawyer but: But check out Section 772(1) of the Fair Work Act which makes it illegal for an employer to terminate an employee’s employment because of, or for reasons related to an employee’s religion. Conciliation follows and if that fails, a direct route to the Federal Court of Australia opens
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Yeah him, pity he didn't win the case where he was sacked. But nice that he had a win on free speech - even though the High Court doesn't seem to have mention "free speech" even the once. http://eresources.hcourt.gov.au/downloadPdf/2018/HCA/15
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
And the picture accompanying the article ? Is it inaccurate or are you just not able to pick Genia on sight
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Fair Work has a specific clause that says that discriminatory behavior is not acceptable. Legislators even took the time to write and exception to the freedom of expression of your religion "provided that it isn't discriminatory" They saw this one coming and plugged that loophole ahead of time. Pointing at others poor behavior doesn't make someone else's poor behavior OK. I am pleased with the way they dealt with Hunt, Slipper and Phipps. I don't think Latu belongs in the wallaby squad but that is my opinion on performance, not his drinking habits. If reports are true that he went to his car to sleep it off, and his only mistake was to turn the radio on, I am hoping that RA do nothing other than make a public statement about the dangers of alcohol. If he was driving, he should be strung up and made an example of. He is a role model.
Matthew
Guest
This is simply not true. There are millions of Christians who support LGBQT persons unreservedly and do not believe it is a sin. There are dozens of books putting forward this view published in the last few years alone. Folau does not represent not represent all Christians.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Yep , i’m Told to put the keys under the car or hide them nearby for safety, do not sleep drunk in a ar while drunk with keys in the car
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Trust everyone has seen the photo on the above FoxSport site. It possibly makes Saturday night’s Brisbane game look overpopulated. No I’m not blaming Genia for that, but the system that dragged him into the whole Folau Affair.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Timbo. Which legislation are you referring to.? Well then it now looks like the “affair”, the “rights issue” and the “sentence” will be determined in a court or the next appeal if necessary… ….One big determinant will be precedence; and RA will have a lot to answer for in that case, comparing sentences for someone who is basically a good person , (a pastor, and gets caned for his biblical beliefs for pulling together Biblical quotes).. to those who sends pornographic images ( and Australia looses a national coach) , another who takes drugs, … etc, all with slaps on their wrists as punishment. Compared to Izzy’s execution ((pre-trial)………………….. … I’ll be happy with the outcome, will you? I can’t see him wanting to play for the WallaTahs again, but if he wins and seeks reputational damages ( think Geoffrey Rush), then the outcome could be in the realm of $8 to $12 m ( my crude estimates). “”………………………. Hopefully the end of the biggest threat to Rugby over the past decade. And Moree Park will be less.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Check the legislation. Discriminatory views have no rights. If they are religiously motivated, they still have no rights.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
No, the train wreck is how RA handled the Folau Affair. …..Yes Timbo An inclusive society means one where everyone’s views are listened to, acknowledged, respected and accommodated . ………If you don’t agree with what Izzy says have a respectful conversation with him. I wonder if anyone has? And don’t say RAelene has already, she crucified him without having a civil conversation ( cart before horse).
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Yea, don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for drink driving. I think the stats are confined to like 2-3kms from home or something. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/superfreakonomics-on-drun_n_333490 That was a 30sec google. Could prob find more relevant studies, but like I said, I’m not advocating for drunk driving, just Uber.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Drunk walking might result in more minor injuries, but I doubt many fatalities are caused by drunk walking every year...
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
So a civilized, inclusive society that respects and defends peoples human rights is the train wreck?
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Moaman, Playing the person , rather than the principle is not a good debating ploy (‘Tis the equivalent of playing the man rather than the ball!, and that was certainly either a penalty or yellow/red card in my day). I’d rather hear your arguments , as to how this can be resolved win-win; rather than crucifying someone for sticking to his principles.”…………..”. In my opinion he was talking to everyone in his latest post . It was not hate speech, nor was it specific. I’ll say no more ,but given my druthers, I’d Rather be wrong with Izzy, than go against my personal beliefs, which see the best in everyone. ……………………..llllll………. ……PS I cried for the Reds when we lost both Genia and Cooper ( Slipper, Hunt, Simmonds, …………… Barnes) , just continuing the trend of mis-management at Ballymore, but in this case, both Genia ( and Castle,Hooper, Scott Robinson?) delivered their verdicts and sentences on Izzy too quickly before there was even a tribunal !!!………………… Let’s see what happens next in the Izzy Affair. I hope we now will get serious/legal. A trial, where folk can swear on a Bible. ( or any other book or affirmation of their choice) RA and the supporters/lovers of rugby in Oz are the big losers in this.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
No he jumped on the train to become part of the toxic train wreck
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I think the stats back up some crazy things too, like it’s safer to drive home drunk than walk home drunk. Statistically more things happen when you walk than when you drive.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Ahh, that's better. We are back to talking about the rugby sideshow instead of the game it self. I was getting worried.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
I might not be completely up to date on the law, but it was certainly the case a few years ago, that if you were asleep in the back seat with your keys in your pocket, you got done.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
At 2:00 o’clock?