NRL: Folau could shock with AFL move

Israel Folau has to decide between league, AFL or union. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Brisbane Broncos star Israel Folau could drop a bombshell today with mounting speculation he could lead the Australian Football League's (AFL) drive into rugby league heartland in Sydney's west.

The giant 21-year-old is believed to be considering a Karmichael Hunt-like offer to jump to the AFL with its new Greater Western Sydney franchise.

It's been speculated the young test and Origin centre - who is a very similar in build to Brisbane full forward Johnathan Brown at 195cm and 104kg - is in possession of a multi-million dollar offer.

Folau has to notify his NRL club today if he is taking up a get out clause in his four-year contract to leave the Broncos at the end of the season.

Reports on Channel Nine's Footy Show last night said Folau had already been "tested" by the AFL who had made him a mind-boggling three-year offer believes to be worth A$1 million ($1.3 million) a season.

Folau also has a massive offer on the table from rugby union expansion club, the Melbourne Rebels, which has the backing of the ARU.

The AFL's keen interest in Folau follows rumours Essendon is already circling Melbourne Storm star Greg Inglis, one of several players who may have to reconsider their future in coming months following the NRL club's salary cap dramas.

Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt rocked the sporting world last July when he announced he was leaving rugby league to play AFL for the Gold Coast when they join the competition in 2011.

If Folau makes the same move he would be unlikely to play for Australia in next month's rugby league test against the Kiwis or in the coming Origin series.

- AAP