Israel Folau set to cash in on his high football IQ

WARATAHS coach Michael Cheika has given a remarkable insight into Israel Folau's smarts and instinct, comparing the star to David Beckham.

ISRAEL Folau's physical attributes are well known, but Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has given a remarkable insight into his smarts and instinct, comparing the three-code star to David Beckham.

The most exciting player in world rugby after just 15 competitive games, Folau will be the Wallabies' key weapon in the must-win second Test against the Lions tomorrow night, and Cheika said there is as much genius in Folau's brain as there is in his boots.

"I would say a great part of it is instinctive, it is an engineering in his head, as we see in a guy like David Beckham in front of a defensive line, he knows he can curve the ball in behind them," Cheika said.

"It is that instinct they have for what they are good at.

"Israel knows what he is good at on the football field and he gets into those situations as much as possible. His forte is catching the high ball, he knows exactly how quickly to run in from far away and from close in, how and when to leap, he has got natural timing.

"There is a certain self-belief around knowing, 'If I get into this situation, I know what I have to do to get out of it'.

"If you look at that situation he was in before his second try, getting the ball in that wide channel with three defenders, that is a situation he he has probably confronted in league, and he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

"A lot of people talk about him athletically, but he has got a very sharp football mind.

"He is thinking plays ahead, looking at the football field like a chess board, thinking about trying to position teammates.

"He wouldn't be able to use any of that armoury if he wasn't thinking steps ahead."

Cheika believes Folau's success is also based on his unselfish nature.

"You look at the curve he is on, he has played 15 games of competitive rugby and he is already right near the top, and he is staying there, and getting better," Cheika said. "He can be a massive contributor to his team, and that is the type of person he is - he wants to have an impact on his team, whether it's for us at the Waratahs or for the Wallabies.

"And he is doing that, he is influencing games for his teams. He could be anything, but the teams he is involved with will be better and start to climb up the ladder, and that is the end game for all rugby players.

"He is a Gen-X player, I know he is 24 but he is not Gen-Y, he is Gen-X. He is very much team-first, and he puts his talents towards making his team better which is a really likeable quality, and a big part of why he is so good.

"That shows the nature of the guy."

Asked about his contractual negotiations with Folau, Cheika replied: "We're all pretty relaxed about it, we're jut waiting for him to get through these games.

"I am pretty confident."

The ARU shares that confidence, particularly each time Folau speaks about being happy in rugby - which he has done consistently since converting, and even more so in the past week.

A move to overseas rugby is all but impossible, with Folau contracted to the ARU until December 31 and the organisation not willing to give him the same dispensation it allowed long-time servants such as Digby Ioane to switch to France.

It is between Australian rugby and the NRL, and with each passing day whispers grow stronger that Folau will announce a new deal with the ARU and Waratahs following the Lions series.

Folau became the first Australian to score a try against the Lions in his Test debut since Greg Martin in 1989.

Martin believes Folau should remain in rugby because he can earn more for himself and his family.

"The main motivator for these guys is family, and family equals money," Martin said. "They are trying to look after their families and and they are the only big-time bread-winners. Other family members might only be earning $40,000 a year.

"That's their chance to get a go in life, it's the same with Digby Ioane, and a lot of the Islander players.

"Izzy can make more money, and for a longer time, in rugby than in league.

"You have the superannuation of Europe and Japan at the end of your career. As a winger in the NRL, you can maybe play until you're 31.

"In rugby, he can play wing or move into the centres and play until he is 35, so he can earn more money and for more years in rugby."

Martin added: "I think he is the best leaguie to ever come across to rugby.

"I thought Lote Tuqiri picked up the game faster than anyone else, but that was before Izzy."

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