Be sure to lock in Folau early, urges Phipps
WALLABIES scrum-half Nick Phipps is expecting big things from Israel Folau as he makes his return to rugby after a twomonth break.
He also expects the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs superstar to stay put in the 15-man game for the long-term, urging Rugby Australia and NSW officials to re-sign him as quickly as possible.
Folau is off contract at the end of 2018 but with the 2019 World Cup just around the corner, he is predicted to remain in rugby despite an anticipated swoop from NRL clubs for the triple-code sensation.
“He’s not going anywhere, surely,” Phipps said yesterday.
“I can confidently say he really enjoys it here in not only the Waratahs but also the Wallabies. He loves the group, he loves the people he gets to play with.
“Hopefully they can sort that out pretty quickly and keep him a Waratah for life.”
Folau, 28, skipped Australia’s end-of-season tour of Japan and Europe last year when given an extended break to recharge his batteries.
He spent most of that time with his new wife, New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia.
Folau also won his third John Eales Medal as Australia’s best player in October and seemed to have only rugby on his mind in a lengthy column on the PlayersVoice website he wrote when the shock news of his sabbatical first emerged.
Phipps said he hadn’t missed a beat in his training comeback. “He’s good,” he said. “I don’t think he’s had an off-season, he looks so good.
“Straight back into it and that leadership he provides around the group ... is so invaluable for us.
“I’m so excited to see how he goes over the next two years leading into the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne Rebels recruit Will Genia says talent doesn’t necessarily equate to titles as the underperforming side looks to finally become a Super Rugby threat.
Expectations are high after the Rebels benefited most from the demise of the Western Force, luring 12 players and their coach Dave Wessels.
Despite the depth of talent across the squad, Genia said that limited time together would be their biggest barrier.
I CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY HE REALLY ENJOYS IT HERE IN NOT ONLY THE WARATAHS BUT ALSO THE WALLABIES. HE LOVES THE GROUP, HE LOVES THE PEOPLE HE GETS TO PLAY WITH NICK PHIPPS