Folau playing second fiddle

ISRAEL Folau was within kicking distance of ANZ Stadium yesterday but a world away from last night's State of Origin hype and hysteria.

Israel Folau

ISRAEL Folau was within kicking distance of ANZ Stadium yesterday but a world away from last night's State of Origin hype and hysteria.

Instead the former Queensland champion was training in the rain with Greater Western Sydney at an empty Skoda Stadium, attempting to prove he had recovered from a hamstring strain for Saturday's match against Richmond.

It was surreal, one of the most recognisable faces in league playing second fiddle at a press conference behind largely unknown Jonathon Patton, the Giants' No. 1 draft choice, who will finally debut after recovering from pre-season knee surgery.

Usually quiet and introspective, Folau smiled broadly when asked if he was taking any notice of what was taking place nearby a few hours later.

"Obviously it's pretty exciting for Sydney to have the Origin game here," he said. "I'll definitely be watching the game but for me right now I'll be focusing on what I have to do, and right now it's my job here at the Giants."

So does he still stay in touch with his old Queensland teammates?

"I saw a few of them last night (Tuesday). The boys are pretty confident and looking forward to the game," he said.

And his prediction prompted another broad smile: "Mate, I'm going to say Queensland, maybe by four. It's going to be a good game."

The junior Giants will have to find something special if Saturday is to produce a good game but the late arrival to the AFL season of Patton, 19, is plenty to be excited about.

Coach Kevin Sheedy certainly is, having the imposing Patton, fellow 19-year-old star Jeremy Cameron and Folau lining up as three tall forwards, should Folau prove his fitness at training tomorrow.

"It's a great opportunity for our fans and our club to see the No. 1 draft pick in the AFL go out there," Sheedy said.

"I think Jonathon will just love to get out there after his operation and recovery and I think we've done the right thing by not rushing him back too early.

"As a coaching group we're pretty excited to have him out there, it'll help Izzy, and they're three extremely talented young tall players who can eventually take this club forward."

This means Folau should attract the third tall defender.

"It's definitely going to take a lot of pressure off me having another tall in the forward line," Folau said.

"It will certainly help all of us. Hopefully it will be a really fun day for us."

Sheedy conceded that having three inexperienced talls in his forward line could be counter-productive, in the short term at least.

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