Israel Folau likely to turn down Reds advances and stay at Tahs as wife Maria sets up base in Australia

A QUEENSLAND bid to woo Israel Folau to the Reds next season may just have fizzled because the Wallaby superstar’s wife Maria has superior netball options to explore in Sydney.

Israel Folau and his wife Maria look set to settle on their futures soon.

THE bold Reds’ bid to woo Israel Folau to Queensland next season may just have fizzled because the Wallaby superstar’s wife Maria has superior netball options in Sydney.

Reds coach Brad Thorn spoke with Folau months ago about a possible move but Maria Folau’s own sporting future may have confirmed he stays with the NSW Waratahs.

Israel Folau and his wife Maria look set to settle on their futures soon. Picture: Instagram.

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Maria has been granted a rare exemption to play on for New Zealand’s Silver Ferns until next year’s World Cup in England but be based in Australia.

It’s hard to see a better fit for the slick shooter than at the Giants because goal attack Susan Pettitt, 34, has retired from the Sydney club.

There is no obvious room on the rosters of Queensland’s two dominant netball clubs.

Queensland Firebirds have Gretel Tippett entrenched at goal attack while Sunshine Coast Lightning head into Sunday’s grand final in Perth with trump Steph Wood at goal attack.

Maria Folau will continue her club netball career in Australia. Picture: AAP.

“Gretel and Romelda (Aiken) are a formidable pair long-term for the Firebirds so in the nicest possible way I can’t imagine a spot there for Maria,” Firebirds legend Laura Geitz said.

“Maria’s a great person away from the court as well as a great player who will be stoked that the juggle of two sporting careers in the one family will be a bit easier.

“I’ve no idea about the Lightning’s plans but having their coach Noeline (Taurua) mentioned as a possible NZ coach makes it interesting times with Maria’s news.”

The odds of Israel Folau staying at the Waratahs are increasing. Picture: AAP.

Maria’s family also recently moved to Brisbane to live.

The Reds have locked in strong-running backrower Caleb Timu as a key re-signing for next year.

“Probably the most pleasing thing about Caleb is he hasn’t yet reached his full potential and has a lot more to offer the Reds and the Wallabies,” Thorn said.

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Originally published as Israel Folau likely to turn down Reds advances and stay at Tahs as wife Maria sets up base in Australia