John Folau, Wallabies star Israel Folau's brother, has followed in his older sibling's footsteps by signing with the NSW Waratahs for the 2019 Super Rugby season after quitting the NRL in September.
Growing up playing rugby league in western Sydney, the 24-year-old quit the sport to join the Sydney Rays in the National Rugby Championship in the hopes to join his brother at the Tahs and eventually making his way to the Wallabies side.
"As a kid, one of my childhood memories was sitting around the TV with family and watching the Wallabies play and watching those players represent the country," Folau said. "Now I have the opportunity to play for a team that represents an entire State, which is humbling. "Looking back to when I played for Sydney in the NRC, it was a good experience as it helped me to learn more about the game from the coaches and support staff I am now working with at the NSW Waratahs."
Folau was hampered by an injury during the NRC season, but Waratahs Assistant coach and Rays coach Chris Whitaker said the young player had still impressed and would bring special qualities to the game.
"He is an athletic player with a strong motivation to learn more about the specifics of the game and also his playing position. I cannot wait to see how far he can go in this sport," said Whitaker.
A former Parramatta Eels player, Folau earned eight caps in his two years with the club before he signed with the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles for the 2018 Intrust Super Premiership NSW season after he failed to break into the Eels first grade side. Folau also represented Tonga for one cap in 2014.