TONGAN STORM BREWING
Move over Sonny Bill. There's a new Polynesian sensation in town called Israel Folau. PETER REES speaks exclusively with the Melbourne Storm's giant Tongan sensation
There’s a Polynesian name being uttered in rugby league circles across the Tasman and it’s not Sonny Bill Williams. Israel Folau was the NRL’s standout player in 2007, a human highlight reel who achieved in one year what most league players struggle to achieve in an entire career. 
In his rookie season, he was the NRL’s top try scorer with 21 tries, won a grand final with the Melbourne Storm, and became the youngest Kangaroo representative ever at just 18 helping Australia crush the Kiwis in Wellington with two tries on debut. Not a bad start for a young guy fresh out of school.
So far, Folau has handled the fame well. Its part and parcel with being one of the rising stars in the game’s most high profile competition. League fans can’t get enough of the giant Tongan, who has speed and skill to go with his size. “I’ve always dreamt of playing for Australia, but I’m still surprised with what I have achieved over the past year,” he tells SPASIFIK Sport & Leisure in an exclusive interview. “It’s been so fast and hard at times to cope with the hype, but the coach and the club have helped me heaps.”
He’s even been touted in Australian rugby union circles as the next league target. Former Wallaby great Greg Martin reckons Folau is already worth AUD$500,000 a season. Folau is contracted with the Storm for one more year, but is undecided what he wants to do after that. “There might be a chance later in my career (to switch to union) but not anytime soon. The World Cup in Australia is next year, so I’m not really thinking about that too much now. My focus is on training and playing for Melbourne.”
His rise to prominence mirrors that of part Samoan Sonny Bill Williams, the NRL’s current poster boy. They are similarly built but Folau is an inch taller than Williams standing 6’4” and weighing 102kg. The scary thing is he still has some more growing to do. But already the Sonny Bill comparisons are coming.
Folau confides that he doesn’t know Williams personally, but he admits looking up to the Bulldog star while attending school. “I watched him when he first came out a few years ago,” says Folau. “He’s an exciting player and I like the way he plays, especially his trademark hits.”
Born in Sydney to Tongan born immigrants Eni and Amelia Folau, who hail from Ma’ufanga and Folaha respectively, he has four brothers and a sister. Folau had a strong Tongan upbringing but he regrets not being able to speak his parent’s language fluently, like his older brothers can.
Folau grew up in Campbelltown, playing rugby union at Westfield Sports High School. But he switched to league when his family moved north to Brisbane, Queensland. He completed his schooling in Marsden State High School where his talents were quickly noticed by NRL scouts. A member of Brisbane Norths Colts premiership team and a Queensland age representative at 15 and 17, Folau became the first player to represent Queensland under-19’s while still only 16. While contracted to the Australia Rugby League’s high performance programme, Folau was selected for the tour of England and France with the Australian Schoolboys squad at the end of 2006.
Folau is still learning to adjust to life in the NRL. “Every week you have to be mentally prepared for every game especially coming into the finals. In first grade you have to be focussed all the time.” One of the challenges he faced in 2007 was switching from wing to centre. Refreshed from an off season break in Brisbane, he is working closely with Storm coach Craig Bellamy to improve his defence. “Trying to read the plays and making the right choices at the right times is the main focus,” he explains. 
Making the jump from NRL to test football was another moment he remembers fondly. “I was really excited especially playing alongside guys I used to look up to like Mark Gasnier, Petero Civoniceva and Willie Mason,” he remarks.
Brisbane Bronco’s legend Darren Lockyer is his favourite player though. Parramatta Eels centre Timana Tahu is the toughest opponent he’s faced. It’s no wonder he was glad to hear Tahu signed an AUD$400,000 deal to switch to union. Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga is another opponent he rates.
Folau is aware of the growing presence of Pacific Islanders in the NRL. And he believes this is good to create more role models for the local Pacific community, as it has done in New Zealand. Playing the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland is an eye-opener for him. “It’s pretty intimidating there. I’m not used to playing against too many Polynesians and most of the crowd there are Polynesians.” Living away from his family in Melbourne is a tough ask. But Folau is not homesick. Folau credits his family and Mormon faith for keeping him focussed on his league, and away from the temptations off the field. “It’s been a good experience for me,” adds Folau. “My family and the religion I believe in helped me on and off the field. It’s made me come to grips with what I have achieved and stay humble. Off the field is definitely the toughest, especially the challenges, drinking, smoking and other influences, like the girls - that sort of stuff. You always got to keep on your toes when you’re out in public.
With a mature outlook at such a young age, Folau already looks the goods.
