Brightside05
Frank Row (1)
Wingers simply aren't just finishers these days, both of them need to be as skilled as the Full Back or you're going to have problems.
Thoughts on Folau to rugby
- Thread starter Jnor
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It is what it is
John Solomon (38)
Will Folau joining rugby be a case of "Long after the price is forgotten, the quality remains"?
spectator
Bob Davidson (42)
Good on Folau for trying to get maximum dollar in the bank while he is still a bankable young athlete but I can't help but think that he is quickly burning his bridges. He made a lot of money out of AFL, realised he was no good at it, and went looking for a lifeline out, which Parramatta extended to him. As far as I can see they have really gone out on a limb to get him back to league.
To publicly come out and say "it's not about the money" and then subsequently renege on the Parra deal for more money is very poor. If I were the Tah's, ARU, or any other sporting body for that matter, I would be very wary of dealing with Folau and his minders.
As for whether he'd be any good.... Tahu, Chambers et al have demonstrated that the code switch is not nearly as easy and straightforward for big athletic dudes as some might think.
To publicly come out and say "it's not about the money" and then subsequently renege on the Parra deal for more money is very poor. If I were the Tah's, ARU, or any other sporting body for that matter, I would be very wary of dealing with Folau and his minders.
As for whether he'd be any good.... Tahu, Chambers et al have demonstrated that the code switch is not nearly as easy and straightforward for big athletic dudes as some might think.
mudskipper
Colin Windon (37)
Tahs... develop Folau? ... mmmmm ... only if new Waratahs coach Michael Cheika can change the Tahs culture... Tahs buying so called top shelf talent again... will they ever learn?
FiveStarStu
Bill McLean (32)
The Roar are calling it, one year contract to the Waratahs - http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/12/03/israel-folau-to-sign-one-year-deal-with-nsw-waratahs/
D
daz
Guest
Ignoring my unbelievably huge ego in quoting myself, I would like to acknowledge the Tahs official who read my original post.
Just one small detail, though: Where I said it would be "Madness to not at least have a look at him", I meant that literally. I did not mean "Throw a million dollars in supporter/sponsor-given money to have a look at him".
rugbysmartarse
Alan Cameron (40)
I hope that (if proven correct) this is the first of many talented young athletes, previously drawn to the more popular winter sports, coming into Union for a chance to achieve Olympic glory. As long as they achieve based on merit not reputation, I see this as nothing but a good thing for the game
mark_s
Chilla Wilson (44)
My memory of him in league was that he was great under the high ball, but otherwise was average (not bad mind you, but hardly a game breaker of the inglis, slater, hunt, thurston, hayne variety). From a rugby POV, I think its a mistake for the tahs to sign him.
I guess the tahs are working on the logic that the money paid to Folau will pay for itself via additional media coverage and crowd interest. Sounds crazy doesnt it, but then again the tahs signed Vickerman for 2012 and he never got close to the paddock.
I guess the tahs are working on the logic that the money paid to Folau will pay for itself via additional media coverage and crowd interest. Sounds crazy doesnt it, but then again the tahs signed Vickerman for 2012 and he never got close to the paddock.
I think it's a good move. The Tahs already have a great roster, so using the 30th spot on a high-profile League/AFL convert isn't a bad idea. I'm not sure how much he will play (I am tipping his most worn number will be 22), but I don't think it really matters.
Like it or not, converts get a lot of attention from the media and the wider sporting public.
For the first time in a while the Tahs will be able to get a bit of interest from non-rugby folk, and I reckon that's a good thing.
.
Like it or not, converts get a lot of attention from the media and the wider sporting public.
For the first time in a while the Tahs will be able to get a bit of interest from non-rugby folk, and I reckon that's a good thing.
.
scaraby
Ron Walden (29)
If he came across at 18...5 years ago ...would everyone be whinging about the"league" import. Most kids have played both at junior age so whats the big deal. This kid CAN play and will draw kids/fans through the gates at Tah land which is more than can be said for the current crop of "superstars".
I think sometimes you guys would complain if you got a beer in the desert because it was New instead of VB.
I think sometimes you guys would complain if you got a beer in the desert because it was New instead of VB.
D
daz
Guest
I think sometimes you guys would complain if you got a beer in the desert because it was New instead of VB.
Hmm. For the private-schooled rugby crowd, I think they would rather die of thirst than drink something so god-awfully "common".
It would be better if you compared a couple of $500+ wines (or at worst, a couple of high priced boutique brews) instead of Tooheys New and VB.
Roar says it is a done deal
http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/12/03/israel-folau-to-sign-one-year-deal-with-nsw-waratahs/
http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/12/03/israel-folau-to-sign-one-year-deal-with-nsw-waratahs/
It is what it is
John Solomon (38)
Rugby today has a high dependency on getting the ball over the advantage line.
Currently the Australian backs and Oz Super Rugby backs are very small in height and bulk and struggle to get over the advantage line in contact.
McCabe does it OK but he has a limited playing career if he continues bashing himself about at his size. Ioane does it with a combo of footwork and power but he too is easily manhandled in contact.
People bagged RL converts Sailor and Tuqiri, but boy were they effective in getting the Waratahs and Wallabies over the advantage line and their forwards on the front foot.
Folau is a massive guy who would be invaluable hitting the ball up off a No 10 in contact, as well as having better athleticism than both his fellow converts.
He can play wide, catch, pass, run and tackle too. (Notice no mention of kicking)
It was embarrassing watching the Wallabies go side to side, phase after phase looking clueless because they don't have any 'wrecking ball' runners to dent the line. The Waratahs suffered from the same problem when they become too predictable hitting it up with Carter.
Maybe the introduction of Folau will result in the Waratahs kicking it far less.
That would make Folau a godsend.
Currently the Australian backs and Oz Super Rugby backs are very small in height and bulk and struggle to get over the advantage line in contact.
McCabe does it OK but he has a limited playing career if he continues bashing himself about at his size. Ioane does it with a combo of footwork and power but he too is easily manhandled in contact.
People bagged RL converts Sailor and Tuqiri, but boy were they effective in getting the Waratahs and Wallabies over the advantage line and their forwards on the front foot.
Folau is a massive guy who would be invaluable hitting the ball up off a No 10 in contact, as well as having better athleticism than both his fellow converts.
He can play wide, catch, pass, run and tackle too. (Notice no mention of kicking)
It was embarrassing watching the Wallabies go side to side, phase after phase looking clueless because they don't have any 'wrecking ball' runners to dent the line. The Waratahs suffered from the same problem when they become too predictable hitting it up with Carter.
Maybe the introduction of Folau will result in the Waratahs kicking it far less.
That would make Folau a godsend.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
I don't disagree with a lot of what you say - but Rugby Heaven is reporting that he will earn less from the Tahs contract than he would have with Parramatta.
wilful
Larry Dwyer (12)
And has actually proven to be decent at footy.
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