Israel Folau's AFL career is over

Israel Folau appears set to quit the GWS Giants. Source: The Daily Telegraph

ISRAEL Folau's AFL career is over, citing a lack of passion for the game.

Greater Western Sydney announced the decision at a media conference.

Folau appears set to head back to rugby league, which would end a two-year, $4 million experiment as a high-profile code-jumper.

But Folau was adamant a decision on his future had not yet been made and said he could even switch to rugby union.

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There had been rumours for months that Folau was unhappy in the code and he confirmed at the press conference that "the passion wasn't there for me".

"It was a pretty hard decision to make and one I have been thinking about for awhile," he said.

"The last two years I really enjoyed my experience at the Giants and I made a lot of good friends.

"In the end, I think the passion wasn't quite there.

"In the end if I stayed, I felt like I would have been cheating myself .

"I had to be honest and move forward."

Folau said he was yet to discuss his future with any club but he was seen last week at Rosehill racecourse with Tim Mannah, the expected captain of the Eels in 2013.

Israel Folau and Parramatta Eels star Tim Mannah at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse last week. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

His brother also plays for the Eels.

"I haven't had any discussions with any club...my future is uncertain, all that stuff i will leave to my management," Folau said.

"Rugby union is an option...at this stage I don't know what i'm doing."

Folau said he did not regret the decision to sign with the new AFL's newest club.

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"At the end of the day it was my decision... my heart wasn't in the game," he said.

"But there are some great players coming through."

Folau played 13 games for GWS in their debut season kicking two goals in that time.

But in the end he wasn't able to find the desire for the game although coach Kevin Sheedy considered him a star in the making.

"I've learned a lot about the game and about myself as well. I wouldn't change this experience for anything," Folau said.
 
"I've learned a lot about myself and the skills that I've picked up, it definitely wasn't a waste of time."

Folau made his decision after returning from a holiday in the United States with his manager Issac Moses.

It is believed he escaped Australia to think through his next move.

The news will not come to a shock to league followers in Sydney.

In July, leading commentator Matthew Johns claimed Folau, who has two years to run on his GWS contract, would quit in September.

"Israel Folau will be out of his GWS contract by September," Johns said.

''They're negotiating a release right now, and next year he will be playing in the NRL in Sydney."

Folau quickly dismissed the rumour at the time.

"I'm definitely going to be at the Giants, that's for sure," he said.

"It's just rumours, whoever's spreading that (about returning to league), it's definitely not true.

"I'm just worried about my job here at the Giants and trying to move forward.

"I'm signed with the Giants for the next two years and that's all I'm worried about."

If Folau goes it means more money in the Giants' salary cap, which makes a play for forward Kurt Tippett is even more likely.

Israel Folau's AFL career at GWS Giants (2012)
Games: 13
Goals: 2
 
Israel Folau's NRL career at Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos (2007-2010)
Games: 90
Tries: 73

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