Folau wants to stay on with Broncos - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Folau wants to stay on with Broncos

By Jim Morton 19/03/2010 07:41:53 PM Comments (0)

As a good Mormon, Israel Folau has no desire to be a Rebel.

The star Brisbane three-quarter on Friday declared he wants to stay with the NRL club long-term, effectively ending speculation he's in line to return to Melbourne.

Super 15 expansion rugby union club Melbourne Rebels, who have former Storm boss Brian Waldron as their chief executive, have Folau on their list as one of many targets.

Folau, signed from the Storm on a four-year deal, is effectively off contract after this season.

But the Kangaroos and Queensland winger gave strong indication he'll take up his two-year option to play on with the Broncos through to the end of 2012.

"I love the Broncos here and after one year here I really enjoyed so with my second year coming around I certainly feel a lot more comfortable around the club now and getting to know everyone else," he said.

"I haven't even thought about (the Rebels). My main focus is playing good footy with the Broncs.

"All that sort of stuff I'll let my manager deal with."

Folau has embraced a move from the wing into the centres with the Broncos while he's also keen to stay close to his tight-knit family.

"My family is here and that was another thing I've come back for and it's good to have them around and I'd love to stay at the club for as long as I can," he said.

Even though he's still just 20, Folau is already taking a leadership role at the youthful Broncos.

He revealed he played on with a painful shoulder injury in the 30-24 win over North Queensland to show the way for a host of Brisbane rookies.

"I thought at the time the injury was pretty bad but I wanted to stay out there to help the team out," Folau said.

"That's where you have to be mentally tough and Ivan spoke to me at halftime about that."

Folau, who suffered a slight separation of the AC joint, has yet to be cleared to take on the Raider in Canberra on Monday night but he's confident of playing.

"It's getting better slowly so that's a good sign it should be right for Monday night," he said.

Folau, who could be either a centre or wing Origin selection this year, is keeping a close eye on Lote Tuqiri's return to the NRL and is hoping the Wests Tigers recruit can join him in a Maroons jersey.

"He still looks big and strong and fast out there so it would be great if I got the chance to play with him," he said.

"He was one of the players I used to look up to as a young kid so it would be a awesome feeling."

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