Folau timetable 'not affected by Origin' - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Folau timetable 'not affected by Origin'

By Melissa Woods 09/05/2010 07:18:52 PM Comments (0)

Gun Brisbane centre Israel Folau says he won't delay a decision on his playing future just to secure a spot in the Queensland Origin side.

Folau was overlooked for Australia's 12-8 win over New Zealand on Friday night after he was linked to a move to either rugby union or the AFL, despite Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens' protestations that he was omitted for positional reasons rather than his likely code-switch.

The 21-year-old admitted he was shattered not to be selected, but his pain was eased in the Broncos' 36-14 win over Melbourne on Sunday when he scored two tries, the second a brilliant 60m solo effort.

Folau was called through the week by Maroons coach Mal Meninga, who said he would still pick him for the opening Origin on May 26 in Sydney as long as his form warranted selection.

"That was good but I can't rely on that, I've just got to play good footy for the Broncos," Folau said.

But the towering centre said after the Melbourne match that he wouldn't delay a decision just to play Origin as Queensland aim for their fifth successive series win.

"If the answer comes before Origin then I'd be happy," he said.

"I don't want it to drag on, it's been like that for the last week or so so if I can get an answer for everyone in the next week that'd be good."

Folau said he wouldn't succumb to pressure to sign with union's Melbourne Rebels, who co-incidentally also play at AAMI Park, or new AFL side Greater Western Sydney if it wasn't right for him.

"I'm not really worried about attention from the outside, I want to take the time to make the right decision for my future and when it happens, it will be good for me."

He said he didn't use his Test omission as motivation and just wanted to help Brisbane to their third win of the NRL season.

"I didn't want to make that a motivation, I just wanted to come out here and do the little things right and go out and play for the boys.

"I was pretty happy to get a few tries today but that's off the hard work of the team."

Coach Ivan Henjak said he was still hopeful his young charge could change his mind and stay with the Broncos.

"We just know he hasn't taken up the option (to stay) but we're none the wiser about where he's going.

"We'll always hold out hope."

He said he didn't think Folau had been affected by the scrutiny.

"The last two weeks he's done the work at training, he's been smiling around the place and interacting with all the players and I think he's performances have been good so that's all I can gauge it on."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news