BRISBANE - Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak says superstar centre Israel Folau needs to make the tough call on his future before it messes with his head and impacts on his NRL form for the Broncos.
The giant youngster - believed to be a target of rugby union's new Super
15 franchise the Melbourne Rebels and AFL interests - hinted on Monday he could need an extension of his April 30 contract deadline to decide if he plays another two seasons with Brisbane or walks out on the club.
There's a feeling Folau, understood to have some family and personal issues, could activate a "bail out" clause in his four-year deal with Brisbane and leave the club because he dislikes the notoriety and enjoyed the anonymity he had living in AFL-mad Melbourne when he was with the Storm.
Asked on Monday if he would give Brisbane an answer on Friday, Folau said: "I don't know mate, we'll just see what happens.
"I think I just need as much time as I can to make the right decision for myself and my future.
"If I can't make the decision by Friday, maybe Ivan (Henjak) will give me a bit of extra time."
Folau did not dismiss AFL as one his suitors.
"I can't say they're not," he said.
"There's a few options to consider and I just need that time to think about what I want to do."
Henjak, who has already lost champion fullback Karmichael Hunt to AFL, said Folau needed to make a decision on his future by Friday and not let things drag on.
"I wouldn't like to see it drag on," said Henjak.
"I've been involved in those things myself and I know the longer they go the more it messes with your head and it starts affecting performance."
"You need to just make the hard call."
The Melbourne Rebels, who have opened negotiations with former Dragons test star Mark Gasnier, denied any interest in Folau a month ago.
But when contacted yesterday coach Rod McQueen wasn't so forthcoming in dismissing talk of Folau becoming a big name Rebel recruit.
"We're not making any comments on that. We've made a point of not making any comments until someone has signed," said McQueen.
"We said there could be an interest in Israel Folau, but certainly the speculation that we've signed him up - that isn't the case."
Folau's "roomie" on the road Ben Te'o said the test star's decision was between him, his manager and his family.
Te'o said he didn't know if player power from teammates could convince him to stay.
"Without putting too much pressure on him, I think some of the senior guys may have had a chat to him over the weekend to see where his head is," said Te'o.
"In the end, it's his decision."
- AAP
Israel Folau is deciding on whether to stay with the Broncos or switch to rugby or AFL. Photo / Getty Images
BRISBANE - Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak says superstar centre Israel Folau needs to make the tough call on his future before it messes with his head and impacts on his NRL form for the Broncos.
The giant youngster - believed to be a target of rugby union's new Super
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.