Folau reassures Treloar
ISRAEL Folau’s AFL experiment ended some six years ago, but the Wallabies superstar will take a vested interest in the Grand Final, cheering on former housemate Adam Treloar.
Folau, who is in South Africa preparing for Australia’s Test in Port Elizabeth, has been in regular contact with Treloar this week.
“He’s just been really supportive, telling me that he loves me and is proud of me and how far I’ve come,” Treloar said yesterday. “He messaged me today.”
Folau and Treloar became close during the code hopper’s short stint with GWS in 2012, leaning on each other.
Folau was struggling, having dominated the NRL then attempting to reinvent himself and master a new sport.
Treloar was battling, having left home as a 17-year-old underage recruit to join a team that was training on a baseball field and based at an RSL club in western Sydney.
The pair have taken divergent paths since.
Treloar requested a trade to Collingwood in 2015. The 25year-old is enjoying his maiden finals campaign as an important cog in the Magpies’ midfield. Folau made his Test debut in 2013.
The 29-year-old is among the best rugby players in the world and a household name.
“We pretty much lived in each other’s pockets. We did everything together, so there’s a bond we will always have for the rest of our lives,” Treloar said.
“I’ve always said the reason I survived my early years at the Giants, it was because of other people (as well) but a big part was my bond with Izzy.
“I always send him messages; telling him I’m thinking about him, hope his family and wife is well, that I love him and what not.
“I don’t know much about rugby union but I’m one of his biggest fans.”
Treloar, who revealed earlier this week he almost missed games in 2018 because of anxiety, said Folau has been a big source of support throughout September.
“He knows me as a person, that I stress and worry a bit. Well, not worry, but I just want to win so badly,” Treloar said.