NRL convert Israel Folau appears set to retire from Greater Western Sydney
Mark Robinson
Herald Sun
November 01, 2012 12:52PM
The multi-million signing is seemingly headed back to rugby league, which would end the two-year, four million dollar experiment as the high-profile code-jumper.
Folau sensationally joined Greater Western Sydney in 2011 after a successful career in league.
The Herald Sun has been trying to confirm the story for the past ninety minutes.
At 12:30pm, club chairman Tony Shepherd was not aware of any Folau news.
More recently, when contacted again Shepherd refused to confirm or deny whether Folau had quit the club.
Chief executive Dave Matthews did not return calls, neither did media manager Nick Johnston.
He signed a four-year deal as a player and ambassador for the expansion team, but failed to have any real impact on the field while playing 13 games .
The news will not be a shock to league followers in Sydney.
In July, leading commentator Matthew Johns claimed Folau, who has two years to run on his GWS contract, would quit in September.
"Israel Folau will be out of his GWS contract by September," Johns said.
''They're negotiating a release right now, and next year he will be playing in the NRL in Sydney."
Folau quickly dismissed the rumor.
"I'm definitely going to be at the Giants, that's for sure," he said.
"It's just rumours, whoever's spreading that (about returning to league), it's definitely not true.
"I'm just worried about my job here at the Giants and trying to move forward.
"I'm signed with the Giants for the next two years and that's all I'm worried about."
Israel Folau's AFL career - GWS Giants 2012
Games: 13
Goals: 2
Israel Folau's NRL career - Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos - 2007-2010
Games: 90
Tries: 73
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