Doubts ... John Connolly says Israel Folau could struggle to adapt to rugby union. Source: News Limited
Israel Folau faces another uphill battle to adapt to a foreign code if he makes an anticipated switch to rugby union, according to former Wallabies coach John Connolly.
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Folau has been linked to a million-dollar move to Super Rugby's Waratahs after turning his back on a return to the NRL with Parramatta.
After struggling to make an impact in the AFL this year with Greater Western Sydney, the change to rugby union could prove another significant challenge for Folau despite its similarities to rugby league.
"Folau is a good physical player but would he be able to adapt to rugby and the challenge of coping with that?'' Connolly said on Sunday.
"The transition is not always that easy. He would have to be ready for it mentally. That could be his biggest challenge, mentally he would have to be up for the change and starting from scratch in many respects.''
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Folau was heavily criticised in AFL circles for his inability to understand and learn the game despite his talents as a rugby league player.
Outside backs Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor all successfully switched codes from rugby league to rugby union to play for the Wallabies, but Connolly warned Folau would have to adjust to the intrinsic differences between the two codes.
"Other players have come across like Mat Rogers but they have played the game before,'' he said. "The lack of space is something you really have to get used to, and where are you going to play him?
"It would have to be at 13 I think or on the wing, you could not play him any closer than that. The breakdown is of course something else he would have to get his head around.
"Look at a player like (Melbourne Storm centre) Will Chambers, he was a fringe State of Origin player and struggled in his time with rugby, but has now returned to league and done pretty well.
"If Folau is coming from no background at all, he could really struggle.''
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The Waratahs have emerged as the most likely destination for Folau after he turned down a four-year deal worth an estimated $3 million with Parramatta after the NRL had worked out an agreement with the Eels to fit him under the salary cap for the 2013 season.
Folau is reportedly being offered a million-dollar-a-year deal with NSW, a risk for the Super Rugby franchise given he is unproven in the code, but one that is sure to increase interest in new coach Michael Cheika's team. NSW did not comment publicly on the issue on Sunday.
Folau has also been linked to the Queensland Reds, and even French rugby, but it is understood his preference is to stay in Sydney where he can be close to friends, family and his church.
Former Wallabies captain John Eales said if Folau does continue his code-hopping career in rugby it would be a fascinating experiment for the 15-a-side game.
"It would be interesting to see him play the game,'' Eales said. "Rugby league and rugby union are closer blood relations and it is definitely easier to adapt to our sport than the other.''
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