Netball blocks Folou move to Reds

THE bold Reds’ bid to woo Israel Folau to Queensland next season may just have fizzled because the Wallaby superstar’s wife Maria has superior netball options in Sydney.

Reds coach Brad Thorn spoke with Folau months ago about a possible move but Maria Folau’s own sporting future may have confirmed he stays with the NSW Waratahs.

Maria has been granted a rare exemption to play on for New Zealand’s Silver Ferns until next year’s World Cup in England but be based in Australia.

It’s hard to see a better fit for the slick shooter than at the Giants because goal attack Susan Pettitt, 34, has retired from the Sydney club.

There is no obvious room on the rosters of Queensland’s two dominant netball clubs.

Queensland Firebirds have Gretel Tippett entrenched at goal attack while Sunshine Coast Lightning head into Sunday’s grand final in Perth with trump Steph Wood at goal attack.

“Gretel and Romelda (Aiken) are a formidable pair long-term for the Firebirds so in the nicest possible way I can’t imagine a spot there for Maria,” Firebirds legend Laura Geitz said.

The Reds have locked in strong-running backrower Caleb Timu as a key re-signing for next year.

“Probably the most pleasing thing about Caleb is he hasn’t yet reached his full potential,” Thorn said.