FOLAU FOLLY Sam: Rivals fixated with Israel
SAM TOMKINS says Israel Folau has already significantly improved Catalans Dragons’ attack – because opposition teams are too preoccupied with his threat.
The controversial Australian has played just twice for the Dragons in wins over Castleford and Hull FC.
But Tomkins says his presence is already having an impact for Steve McNamara’s side ahead of tonight’s clash with Salford.
Team-mate Tomkins said: “We’ve not seen too much of him – I think teams have overmarked him.
“Castleford certainly did, they were putting a lot of defenders in front of him, which made it pretty easy on the other side of the field.
“Our left edge are playing really well but I think some of that is down to the numbers that are being sent down Israel’s side.
“It was the same at the weekend at Hull, our middles did a brilliant job of getting us back in the game and then Israel always seems to be in front of one or two defenders.
“Ben Jullien scored two tries at the weekend and they were both down to Josh Griffin being too
Vworried about Israel Folau. I think as we play more, and Izzy gets more used to us, we will see a bit more from him but it’s clear that he’s a real athlete and he’s going to do something special for us.
“When you’re playing full-back or half-back, it’s a luxury having someone on an edge who you can throw the ball to and they can do their own thing.
“That’s what makes the best outside backs, people who don’t need too much creating for them, they sort of do it themselves. Israel has certainly got that in his locker.”
Tomkins will not underestimate the Red Devils even though they have won just one of their five matches, having reached last year’s Grand Final.
He added: “They’ve had a lot of changes. They will have earmarked this game as one to get them back on track and having Kevin Brown back will help. I’m sure they will turn it on at some point, I just hope it’s not this week.”