Rugby League: Israel Folau is a 'monster' again, but it's for something on-field in the Super League

Israel Folau playing for the Catalans Dragons in their Super League match against the Castleford Tigers. Photo / Getty

By Ian Cameron for RugbyPass.com

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.

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

— ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ (@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.

— 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."

They weren't alone either, with fans of both Catalan and opposing Castleford fans all hailing an out of this world performance.

🏆 Israel Folau is your #OURLEAGUE Player of the Match with 7⃣0⃣% of the vote. pic.twitter.com/psyjoLF1zj

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 8, 2020

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

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.

This article first appeared on RugbyPass.com and is republished with permission.