Folau booed in winning UK debut
Israel Folau was booed sporadically during his first Super League match in England, where he helped set up the winning try.
The Catalans Dragons beat Hull 34-29 at KCOM Stadium, with Folau’s fellow Australian James Maloney scoring the winner after Folau claimed a stunning catch from a short kick-off, the Press Association reported.
Catalans fullback Sam Tomkins copped most of the flak from the home crowd, according to the report, though there were a few fans who directed their ire at former Wallaby Folau, who has been a controversial signing.
He has returned to league after being sacked by Rugby Australia for making an inflammatory anti-gay post on Instagram last year.
Yesterday’s match was just his second game in the 13-man code in a decade, but his coach Steve McNamara was full of praise, the Press Association reported.
‘‘To come up with the short kick off and for Izzy to go up there and take it one-handed and it gives us a chance to win it, we are obviously happy with the end result,’’ he said. ‘‘He is a special player and it was a special catch. I thought we under-used him during the game, I thought we could have used him more.
‘‘I thought he was solid today without being spectacular. But he comes out with a really good play to give us a last chance.
‘‘Without a doubt, he is a real talent. We didn’t give him any area today, we never kicked the ball to him but he worked hard for the team, which is formidable. He is more of an attacking threat and I was disappointed that we didn’t kick the ball for him more – we never got that right.’’