Israel Folau signs $2 million deal

[Willow]

Melbourne Storm centre Israel Folau has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

More below: http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=15512

 

[hineyrulz]

Gee big loss for the Storm, i can see them struggle this yr being torn apart like this. 500k a year for a centre????? you can tell Bennett had nothing to do with neogations, who will the Bronc's cut to fit him under the cap????

 

[Renowned League Expert]

It seems a lot of money for a prospect with ONE good season under his belt. I certainly couldn't begin to put him in the same class as centres like Gasnier, Hodges and Inglis. Time may prove me wrong, but he's got a lot of improving to do.

 

[Razor]

So much for the Broncos never signing anyone.

In the last few years they've signed

1. Joel Clinton
2. Michael Ennis
3. Ben Hannant
4. Tom Hewitt
5. PJ Marsh
6. Shane Perry
7. Ashton Sims
8. Peter Wallace

And that's just their 25 man squad. They've signed lower graders up as well - Ashton's younger brother for example. It's also not including the 2 players who left the club, then came back.

 

[stuh]

If they have signed him, I seriously dout they would be paying a centre 500k a year when they're already pretty solid in the centres.

 

[Mr Saab]

They might have bought some players, but only Marsh & Clinton have played rep football.
The rest were unwanted @ their clubs or really underpeforming (Simms)

 

[Serc]

:lol: $500k for a centre - what a waste of money if so! Broncos could've bought 2 good backline players for the same $$$...

 

[icewind]

i doubt even hodges is on that money. :crazy:

 

[Big Pete]

The courier mail are reporting it as 1.6Million, even then I have my doubts.

Not entirely delighted by the signing as Folau still needs to prve himself IMO.

 

[Dutchy]

The courier mail are reporting it as 1.6Million, even then I have my doubts.

Not entirely delighted by the signing as Folau still needs to prve himself IMO.

Better off making your assessment after 23 season rounds and a SOO series.

 

[Raider_69]

hodges and folau at centre... gee that could absolutely decimate sides in 2009!

 

[DeeGan]

Wow ... family played a big part in his decision, I can't blame him for returning home especially on that money

A club backline featuring Hunt, Folau, Hodges, Lockyer with an emerging Wallace - awesome.

 

[Slackboy72]

Broncos have confirmed 4 years @ $500k.

 

[lsta5838]

Yeah, check this side out..
1. Hunt
2. Robinson
3. Falou
4. Hodges
5. Boyd
6. Lockyer
7. Wallace
8. Clinton
9. Ennis
10. Thiaday
11. Simms
12. Taylor
13. Eastwood

14. Marsh
15. Stagg
16. Parker
17. Hannett

 

[parra pete]

The beginning of the end for Rugby League in Melbourne. The rich get rich, the poor get poorer.
Watch for Craig Bellamy to follow suit, with Henjak caretaker coach in 2009..

 

[JW]

I find it very hard to believe that he'll be on a 2 mill deal for 4 years. He would be commanding one of, if not the highest salary in the comp, and upstaging an experienced centre on the other side of the field who ranks amongst the best in the world. It'd also be a substantial amount above what Melbourne offered.

To me it just seems like the usual inflated figures the media throw up. Already there's reports of 1.5-1.6 million from other outlets.

Nevertheless, its fair dinkum, then it's way too much IMO. He'd better be bloody worth it.

 

[stuh]

Yeah, check this side out..
1. Hunt
2. Robinson
3. Falou
4. Hodges
5. Boyd
6. Lockyer
7. Wallace
8. Clinton
9. Ennis
10. Thiaday
11. Simms
12. Taylor
13. Eastwood

14. Marsh
15. Stagg
16. Parker
17. Hannett

They'd play Steve Michaels on the wing, not Robinson and Corey Parker is an 80 minute player and goal kicker, they wouldn't start Taylor before him. And personally I hope Clinton disappears like the ball does from his grasp. I'd have Hannant over him any day.

 

[DeeGan]

The beginning of the end for Rugby League in Melbourne. The rich get rich, the poor get poorer.
Watch for Craig Bellamy to follow suit, with Henjak caretaker coach in 2009..

Agreed.

The Bellamy signing has been on the cards for a while now IMO.

 

[innsaneink]

Does he know who'll be coaching him?
Big decision based on that.

 

[renouf]

Not good for Melbourne... but really does anyone down there actually care about the Storm? The AFL people will never follow the storm, so why would great players want to play for a club that isn't really supported by the community