FOLAU?

[TOCC]

If these amounts are to be believed then on balance it's a good investment.

Pro: Age, Profile in Melbourne, athleticism, fitness, tee-totalling Morman (i.e. unlikely to go off the rails), has achieved a great deal in Mungoball, will be playing alongside Mortlock and other leaders at the Rebels.

Cons: Never played rugby, earning an ARU top-up without earning Wallaby selection

But the last thing I want to see is a heap of posters select a Wallaby 2011 or RWC or future XV including Folau until he actually plays the game, adapts his play and out performs incumbants and other challengers. We can hope he turns out to be as effective as Ioane, but until he actually plays that way please assume he'll walk into Wallaby gold.

exactly, the way i see it, the $100'000 top up from the ARU is merely just a investment in PR in Melbourne, however he still needs to justify his ability to earn a wallaby jersey

 

[Godfrey]

I have the feeling that the days of automatic selection for league converts is over, especially for those not chased directly by the ARU. I see this as nothing but a good thing. If he's not that great, he won't be selected, if he plays to his potential and adapts to the game - then we've got another fantastic selection headache and some real depth in the backline. I know I can't think of a current Wallaby with the skill set of this kid so if he ends up rightfully slotting in somewhere - great!

In reference to the above, I think it would be fair enough for Gaz to get in a train on squad this year and see how he goes in the Wallaby environment, with a view to playing him in some midweek games as soon as possible.

 

[TOCC]

the reality is that super15 teams are going to continue to sign NRL players due to the expansion in teams, yeah i know it would be fantastic if we could just develop every player from scratch, however developing players takes a few years to get the physical, mental and skill state to the right level.

I do think the days of signing the rockstars like tuqiri, tahu and sailor are behind us, but there is no reason that we cant target players like McLinden or Shifcofske who bring a lot to the table, or even blokes like Folau who might be bordering on the verge of 'rockstardom' minus the ego.

 

[wobbly]

Chambers was an excellent signing. I don't watch mungoball but I'm sure there are other unheralded, younger talents in the Storm roster.

Is there anyone playing for the Storm or other mungo clubs that fit the Palu mould? A ball-carrying no 8 with a rugby background?

 

[Godfrey]

I think Dave Talor would make a pretty good number 8. Very big, solid boy, very fast for his size and good ball skills.

 

[Ash]

Taylor is reportedly an average trainer and very hard to get good performances out of. Broncos claimed they had to put rockets up him to get him to perform. Makes sense - had huge raps on him, yet consistently struggled and could not break into even weakened Broncos teams until they had no-one of ability left. Then suddenly hit a rich vein of form out of nowhere.

Anyone know how is Taylor going for Souths? My understanding is that Burgess has been way better for them. I wouldn't even consider Taylor, despite his impressive physical prowess. Great build for an 8 and great mobility, but doubt he's got the temperement.

 

[Godfrey]

Yeah, he's not someone I would make any special effort to bother with, just someone who sprang to mind who could go from League to a Union 8. I think a lot of League props with good hands could make decent 8s.

 

[Moses]

Noddy's put together a front page post on Foleau, with video

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/israel-folau-melbourne-rebels/

 

[waratahjesus]

alright, faloua apparantly has told the broncos his decision and also refused to front a press conference that has been cancelled as a result. Might be on again this afternoon at training though he isnt going to speak.

 

[TOCC]

alright, faloua apparantly has told the broncos his decision and also refused to front a press conference that has been cancelled as a result. Might be on again this afternoon at training though he isnt going to speak.

would the press conference really be cancelled if it were a less emotive decision like remaining with the Broncos in Brisbane?

Sounds like Folau is on the move south!

 

[TOCC]

I think Dave Talor would make a pretty good number 8. Very big, solid boy, very fast for his size and good ball skills.

yeah ive thought that as well, he reminds me a bit of David Lyons, but as pointed out, he is a lazy trainer and really struggles with his weight and fitness.

 

[aussie1st]

The bomb close to the line is not a skill we see much in Oz rugby. Our inside backs are more familiar with stupid chips and grubbers at inopportune times.
I think we have enough 13 candidates developing at the moment without Folau, as talented as he undoubtedly is. Horne, Chambers, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Ioane, and maybe Gasnier (who at least has a couple of seasons of rugby under his belt now)with some old stagers who might have a trick or two left - Morty, Cross.

This is more for the Rebels who don't have those players. But for the Wallabies I guess you could have him on the wing but he probably won't have the same impact he does in league as hes more power and jump rather than footwork and speed.

 

[Godfrey]

Some good tries have been scored have been scored off bombs...

http://www.youtube.com/v/R_vH6cpCw8I&hl=en_GB&fs=1&

 

[RugbyReg]

love it. Could I test begin AND end any more dramatically?

 

[cyclopath]

Indeed it was a good try. 16 years ago I believe. And the finish was great, Noddy.
There was another good try from a bomb at Homebush nearly 7 years ago in a fairly important match.
Clearly it is an oft used skill - we can expect another one in 2012.

 

[waratahjesus]

attacking kicking is a weapon that really doesnt get used enough, the fact teams prefer to hold onto the ball and draw the foul rather than put it in the air and risk losing it.

really rugby league worked out years ago its the only way to brake down a set defensive line and even then its with 13 in the line.

The tahs have had alot of success with short kicking this year (opening ten minutes against the crusaders) there should be more of it.

 

[Biffo]

I haven't seen a lot of Folau in the past so spent quite a lot of time last night looking at video of him. I think he would become a sensation in rugby. I'd start him off on the wing, especially now that the Reds have reintroduced the wide blind side which will surely be followed by our other teams. Given his age, physique and skills I'd be planning his long-term future at outside centre.

 

[Biffo]

There was another good try from a bomb at Homebush nearly 7 years ago in a fairly important match.

Doc, consult some of your colleagues for follow-up treatment. Your share of the national collective amnesia seems to be wearing off.

 

[cyclopath]

There was another good try from a bomb at Homebush nearly 7 years ago in a fairly important match.

Doc, consult some of your colleagues for follow-up treatment. Your share of the national collective amnesia seems to be wearing off.

Unfortunately, I have an English mate who reminds me every time we communicate. I'm thinking about some sort of ex-communication!

Back OT - I agree that Folau is a real talent, and if he comes (as seems likely) he will probably do well. I just hope the past does not repeat and he takes the paycheck, never quite reaches the level expected and buggers off again.
He seems a good guy, so that is a huge plus. I've probably been too negative on this thread.

 

[liquor box]

For me the ideal way for his signing to be announced would be Israel showing up to a press conference for Man of the Match in a Rebels jersey.

This would be priceless