Israel Folau quits AFL for rugby league return

Staff writers, Yahoo!7 Updated November 1, 2012, 4:10 pm

Star AFL convert Israel Folau is leaving GWS to return to rugby league next season.

Folau shocked league pundits when he switched codes and signed with the AFL's newest franchise Greater Western Sydney in 2010.

Giants CEO Dave Matthews and head coach Kevin Sheedy join Folau at a press conference at four o’clock this afternoon.

They announced their disappointment but praised Folau for his honesty.

The 23-year-old codehopper said it was a difficult decision to make.

In July, Folau vehemently denied he would be leaving GWS when his contract ended in September this year. In his 13-game career in the AFL, Folau kicked 2 goals, 8 behinds, 22 marks and 18 tackles for the Giants.

According to Fairfax Folau will be joining the Parramatta Eels in the NRL.

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27 Comments

Jeffrey04:22pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse

look at Mike Pyke as a comparison- took 3 yrs to make it and played a beauty in the GF...i think Izzy is giving up too soon Also look at Karmichael- looked poor, not up with the pace 1st yr, blossomed to be the genuine article 2nd yr b4 injury..

Wicked Wiz of the West02:53pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse

Well At least he had the balls to give it a go. Good luck in whatever you do in the future Israel. Well done :-)

6 Replies

underarm_bowler04:11pm Friday 02nd November 2012 ESTReport Abuse

Rooster can't be gay as he's all rooster and no kock

underarm_bowler08:40pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse

neil is right. instead of getting kicked in the ankles he can get a finger shoved up his kyber pass

Paul03:27pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse

These type of returning converts should be made to sit out 12 months, between codes before even contemplating a switch.

Show:

3 0
Jeffrey04:22pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse
look at Mike Pyke as a comparison- took 3 yrs to make it and played a beauty in the GF...i think Izzy is giving up too soon Also look at Karmichael- looked poor, not up with the pace 1st yr, blossomed to be the genuine article 2nd yr b4 injury..
3 1
Wicked Wiz of the West02:53pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse
Well At least he had the balls to give it a go. Good luck in whatever you do in the future Israel. Well done :-)
6 Replies
3 2
underarm_bowler04:11pm Friday 02nd November 2012 ESTReport Abuse
Rooster can't be gay as he's all rooster and no kock
2 2
underarm_bowler08:40pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse
neil is right. instead of getting kicked in the ankles he can get a finger shoved up his kyber pass
3 2
Paul03:27pm Thursday 01st November 2012 ESTReport Abuse
These type of returning converts should be made to sit out 12 months, between codes before even contemplating a switch.
16 Replies