1
'Monster' - Israel Folau is trending on Twitter again, but this time it's for a 'phenomenal' Super League performance
By Ian Cameron
Former Wallaby Israel Folau is again trending on Twitter, but this time it’s for an avalanche of praise as opposed to the usual tidal waves of condemnation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Never far from controversy, the outcast Australian was heavily criticised seven days ago when he refused to take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter at Headingley. Again, the Catalan Dragons centre remained standing prior to kick-off and he was even joined by a teammate.
Yet within minutes, it wasn’t Folau’s politics that Twitter was talking about, it was his breath-taking performance. The man was on fire, be it setting up tries for his teammates or scoring 60-metre solo tries from his own half.
A BIG turn around from the Dragons before halftime!
Folau turns from provider to score and the French team hit the lead at the break! @CTRLFC 14@DragonsOfficiel 16
An enthralling first 40 minutes of Rugby League Football! pic.twitter.com/gRXxgFe8h1
— BETFRED (@Betfred) August 8, 2020
Guardian journalist Aaron Bower noted: “You have to tip your hat to him on the field: three monster plays from Israel Folau. The shift to create the space for Tom Davies was impressive, the solo try was even better and now that offload for Joel Tomkins to put Catalans three scores ahead. He’s been phenomenal”
You have to tip your hat to him on the field: three monster plays from Israel Folau. The shift to create the space for Tom Davies was impressive, the solo try was even better and now that offload for Joel Tomkins to put Catalans three scores ahead. He’s been phenomenal
— Aaron Bower (@AaronBower) August 8, 2020
Fellow rugby league journalist John Davidson wrote: “Folau just terrorising Shenton on that edge. Bump off of Eden too was prime. No ones ever doubted his on field ability.”
Folau just terrorising Shenton on that edge. Bump off of Eden too was prime.
No ones ever doubted his on field ability.
ADVERTISEMENT— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) August 8, 2020
Folau two try assists and one 50-metre try. Carving Cas up single-handedly.
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) August 8, 2020
Martyn Sadler, editor of The Rugby League Express posted: “Watching Israel Folau, my main thought is what a tragedy it was that he spent so many years playing the other code. This is a brilliant performance by him.”
Watching Israel Folau, my main thought is what a tragedy it was that he spent so many years playing the other code. This is a brilliant performance by him. #SLCasCat
— Martyn Sadler (@MartynSadler) August 8, 2020
They weren’t alone either, with fans of both Catalan and opposing Castleford fans all hailing an out of this world performance.
He will continue to court controversy but Israel Folau, love him or hate him, is a genius player. Magic touches today #SLCasCat
— Chris Irvine ???? (@Chrisirvine) August 8, 2020
People can slag him off for his beliefs but any team would love to have Israel Folau in there side, what a game he’s having today.
— SteadyJDS (@Steady2192) August 8, 2020
? Israel Folau is your #OURLEAGUE Player of the Match with 7?0?% of the vote. pic.twitter.com/psyjoLF1zj
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 8, 2020
BMc: Players have done that before, so you never know. It’s just great to see players like Israel Folau in our competition. If Greg Inglis performs like that – Wow! #AskSkyRL #SuperLeague https://t.co/grdrhT7jal
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) August 8, 2020
Israel Folau is a class act for @DragonsOfficiel what a great signing, I think a lot better than Sonny Bill.
— Jim Mills (@millsjim44) August 8, 2020
It would be putting it mildly to suggest Folau will never be everyone’s cup of tea, but no one can argue with ability as a rugby player.
ADVERTISEMENT
