Queensland says Israel Folau has played his last State of Origin game
QUEENSLAND last night showed their disgust at Israel Folau's defection by dumping him from the all-conquering Maroons team for Origin II. QRL managing director Ross Livermore said it was intolerable to have Folau urging kids in western Sydney to take up AFL while on the other hand continuing to play on league's biggest stage.
After news of the defection broke Livermore got straight on the phone to Maroons coach Mal Meninga, who agreed Folau had to go.
"I would say that Israel has played his last game for Queensland and I think Mal would be of the same view. Mal and the selectors would prefer to look at the long term," Livermore said.
Meninga and the selectors will be told to look to the future when they meet next Monday to name the team for the return Origin match in Brisbane.
It is understood the Warriors' Brent Tate is first in line for Folau's spot, ahead of Lote Tuqiri.
If the selectors choose Folau, the team will be rejected by the QRL board anyway, with directors having the final say.
"The AFL is going to use Israel to get kids in Sydney playing AFL, and good luck to them," Livermore said. "We want kids playing rugby league and it's important to look at the big picture.
"Brent has been loyal to the game whereas Lote has been in union for seven years. Loyalty has traditionally played a big part in the [Origin] selection process."
Veteran Queensland forward Petero Civoniceva agreed Folau's spot should be given to someone else. "When he was picked for Origin I, Israel hadn't made a decision," Civoniceva said.
"Now that he has, it's up to the QRL to make a ruling and I think it's best they look to the future."
Folau telephoned Meninga on Monday night to tell him of his decision and promised to give "150 per cent" if he was still chosen for Queensland.
But after Meninga met with Livermore yesterday it became abundantly clear there was no chance of that happening.
Meninga thought Folau was staying in league after word got out last week he had rejected a big offer from rugby union. "I'm very disappointed but I understand his decision given the money involved," Meninga said. "We are getting raided and need to get an independent commission going to save our game."
Livermore said that irrespective of when the commission started, the QRL would make submissions to the NRL and ARL for upgraded representative payments based on service.
Currently, Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer is paid the same match fee as a rookie.
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