The New Recruit
GWS Giants recruit Israel Folau admits he was pleasantly surprised by his progress as he attempts to move from NRL tipping superstar for legitimate AFL tipping.
Folau had never even picked up a Sherrin before signing a lucrative four-year contract with Kevin Sheedy-coached club and is yet to play a competitive match in his new code.
But 21-year-old, who is still three weeks away from making his debut because of an ankle injury, says he has already made significant progress in basic skill areas handballing and kicking.
"I have worked closely with Choco (assistant coach Mark Williams) on my kicks and all that sort of thing," Folau said on Friday.
"And I'm a little surprised myself at how I've been picking up the skills." Doesn’t look like he’ll be getting back to NRL Footy tipping any time soon unfortunately.
"There will be a major challenge and this whole year for me will be a great learning year, so I just look forward to what is in front of me."
And despite being limited by his ankle disorder did former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos star also frightening statement he has picked up speed and movement then spreads six kilograms from his 195cm frame.
"My fitness is coming along well," he said.
"I have trimmed down, I lost six kilograms and I feel pretty good. But I just can not wait to get into my legal education and get my first match coming up."
"I feel much lighter on our feet and much more flexible and mobile, just from doing the kind of training that is necessary for the game."
"I think I'll probably get much faster but at the time, my ankle is slowing me down with my training a bit so I've just got to have patience in the coming weeks."
Folau, who played at 105kgs for most of his four-year NRL career, admits he is still getting used to his new streamlined look.
"I've never seen that number (99kgs) since I was probably 18 or something, so it's a little different," he joked.
He admits he is disappointed at having to miss his club's inaugural NAB Cup hit-outs in Sydney and the Gold Coast at Blacktown on Saturday but expressed excitement for his fresh teammates.
"It would have been nice to go out tomorrow night and get the chance to play but right now my first priority right now is to get my ankle right and that takes some time so it'll be good to watch the boys in the morning, he said.
"It is a great opportunity for our team and for our club as well. It will be very exciting for many of the young guys who will be going out there to play."
Giants will take on the Swans in the opening match of the triple head first against the Suns in the finals of the night.