Unshakable faith drives Israel Folau during hard times

ISRAEL Folau confronted by an army of journalists which sought answers to claims he was "greedy", "dishonourable", and using rugby for money.

ISRAEL Folau sat uncomfortably in his seat in early December, confronted by an army of journalists and cameras who sought answers to claims he was "greedy", "dishonourable", and using rugby only to fatten his wallet before an inevitable return to the NRL in 2014.

Fast forward five months, and 12 games of Super Rugby later, and it is rugby using Folau's sublime talents to promote its most lucrative series, against the British & Irish Lions.

But as tough as it was to deal with public criticism of his character for shunning the Parramatta Eels, Folau has risen to become a Wallaby-in-waiting because it made him mentally tougher.

"It helped a lot, during that time there were a few things that weren't going my way," Folau said.

That's the understatement of the year: Folau was the most pilloried sportsman in the country.

After he signed with the Waratahs, Eels coach Ricky Stuart fumed: "I'd rather know today about the dishonorable characteristics of Israel than pay him all the money that we tried to secure over the past eight weeks, then find out about the way he operates.

"I know its an easy throwaway line, but success is built on culture and our club is plus one in culture by not having Israel."

Stuart has refused to discuss Folau since.

On the day he announced his move to rugby, Folau said: "It's been a pretty tough week. I class myself as a true person to myself and my family, and what's been reported is definitely upsetting towards me and my close friends and family.

"If I was here entirely for money, I could have stayed in the AFL and played out the next two years."

He also said then that he'd love to play for the Wallabies, but it seemed a distant dream _ certainly not for the once-in-12-year opportunity against the Lions next month.

And then, on his way to church on Sunday, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans phoned him and confirmed he'd been named in the 25-man squad.

The rocky road Folau has just walked has been worth it.

"Right now, it's certainly a happy time, an exciting time," Folau said. "I don't hold grudges on anyone.

"During that time it was just the way it worked out. For me now, it's all going well."

The pressure is about to be magnified tenfold by the attention of the British media, and the Australian public's expectations of him on the Test stage. But as always, Folau will turn to his faith to guide him through.

"It is a big part of my life, that will never change," he said. "I see it as all the opportunities I get are from God. There have been some very challenging times in the last two years. That's just the way things have worked out."

There has been a noticeable difference in Folau's confidence and presence as a leader in the Waratahs team over the past month.

"I can probably put it down to my experiences playing different codes, in terms of being a leader.

"I don't say too much but now I'm starting to speak up a bit more at training when I need to say things.

"That just comes down from experiences that I've had in the last few years, playing different codes."

Not only does the public await his performances against the Lions, but also his next move, with some against the idea of picking Folau if he has not signed to rugby beyond this year.

"I do understand from the point of view as fans that being part of the game long term and not just maybe using the game," he said.

"I totally understand how important representing the Wallabies is and how important the jersey is but the selectors and Robbie (Deans) picked me and that's a huge thing for me.

"Even though I signed for one year, I think they've shown their faith in picking me, so I've just got to repay it by playing good rugby."

It is the only thing he could have done then, and now, to change perceptions.