Israel Folau’s brother John quietly forging his own path in rugby union

As Israel Folau fights to save his professional rugby career, his younger brother John is quietly ploughing ahead, trying to establish his and helping bring rugby to the masses.

A supplied image obtained on Thursday, March 28, 2019, shows Israel Folau (left) and his brother John ahead of their game together at the Waratahs for the first time against the Sunwolves. (AAP Image/NSW Rugby Union, Julius Dimataga) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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As Israel Folau fights to save his professional rugby career, his younger brother John is quietly ploughing ahead, still trying to establish his.

By virtue of his famous surname, John’s transition from league to rugby was always going to be heavily scrutinised but with his big brother firmly in the spotlight, he’s just trying to go about his business with a minimum of fuss.

Signed by NSW but yet to play for the Waratahs, the former Parramatta Eel is now plying his trade in the Shute Shield with the Western Sydney Two Blues.

Israel Folau (left) and his brother John pictured at a Waratahs training session. Picture: AAP Image/NSW Rugby Union, Julius Dimataga

On Saturday, when Israel is fronting the Code of Conduct hearing at Rugby Australia’s Moore Park headquarters, his younger sibling will be at Lidcombe Oval, playing first grade against Eastwood, but with his mind on only one thing: the game.

“Obviously everyone knows what’s been going on but he’s been fantastic about it, he’s just getting on with the job of playing rugby,” Western Sydney coach Joel Rivers told Rugby Central.

“As his coach, I’m always checking to see that he’s healthy and mentally OK but he’s doing fine.

“He’s very quiet so doesn’t let it bother him, he just trains and plays so unless he wants to bring it up, we’ll just leave it with him.”

Rivers has been greatly impressed by the way John has dealt with the obvious distraction, but more so by the dedication the 24-year-old has shown to improving his own game and fitting in with the team.

On the occasions when he can’t train or play because of his Waratahs duties, he always still turns up to watch and help out in anyway he can, and has even persuaded some of his closest mates to also join the club.

“The one thing we explained to him when he came here was that we just wanted him to be himself and the way he’s committed himself to the club has been fantastic,” Rivers said.

“He’s got a lot of raw talent and we’re playing him at outside centre because he wants to give 13 a shot rather than the wing, and he’s really keen to learn.

“He understands that he’s got a lot to learn but he puts in the work, he’ll talk to you, he’ll listen to advice, he’s just very professional and we’re so lucky to have a top player like him.”

John Folau (second from left) during NSW Waratahs rugby training at Pagewood, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

While the Two Blues are yet to win this season after starting with four straight losses, Rivers believes it’s only a matter of time before rugby really takes off in Western Sydney.

The team’s new $10 million facility at Granville Oval is due to open next year and Rivers, who was headhunted to come west after enjoying long success with Sydney University and Northern Suburbs, is developing new programs to tap the potential in the area.

“It’s a real battle with league out there but we’ve got a lot of players who are naturally highly skilled and very keen to play rugby,” he said.

“They all like the contact and they’ve all got the skills so we’re focusing on is trying to improve their rugby knowledge and that will come.”

Former Parramatta Eels player John Folau (L) pictured with current Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson (R) and Crestwood Public school students Ashton Naylor (top), and Oliver Wong.