https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...u/news-story/4149abdd82c002badef0314925d0e09a
Sports Confidential: Could a return to Brisbane be on the cards for Israel Folau?
Michael Carayannis and Paul Kent, The Daily Telegraph
April 19, 2018 7:19pm
ISRAEL Folau is being whispered as a real chance to turn up in Brisbane Broncos colours next season.
Is he interested in playing under Craig Bellamy again?
While many believe Folau will chase the greater riches of European rugby it’s understood that much of his desire to get out of the 15-man code is because he is tired of the constant travel taking him away from family.
A move to Europe would not fix that.
The most intriguing part of the Bellamy-to-Broncos story is that Bellamy refuses to deny it, even though he was told a denial would immediately end speculation. Instead, Bellamy has been saying he does not want to talk about, hoping that will shut it down.
One of Bellamy’s great strengths at Melbourne is his honesty. Without honesty there is no accountability and so he does not want to deny it if there is a shred of truth.
The Brisbane plan is to give Bellamy a year off to recharge his batteries and plot Brisbane’s squad for 2020. The rest also means he would not have to coach against Billy Slater and Cameron Smith if they decide to play next season.
Meanwhile, Wayne Bennett sees out his last season which, given yesterday’s press conference walkout, might be an unhappy time.
Certainly Bennett has never been in this position before. He usually does the stalking.
