NRL: Folau signs four-year AFL deal

The Bronocs have confirmed Israel Folau’s switch to the AFL. Photo / Getty Images

Rugby League international Israel Folau has signed a four-year deal to switch codes and play Australian rules for Greater Western Sydney, a new club set to join an expanded Australian Football League in 2012.

Folau, 21, is expected to play in a lower-tier Australian rules competition in 2011 to gain experience. Folau's contract with the Brisbane Broncos, one of the strongest rugby league clubs in the world, expires at the end of 2010 season.

He is the second high-profile rugby league international to join the AFL in two seasons. Former Broncos and Australia fullback Karmichael Hunt switched last year.

Australian rules, a predominantly kicking game more like Irish Gaelic football than either of the rugby codes, is making a push into traditional rugby strong holds in New South Wales and Queensland states and has targeted Hunt and Folau as much for their marketing appeal in those areas as for their athletic talent.

Folau is reportedly receiving 1 million Australian dollars per season for GWS, about double what he could have earned with the Broncos under the NRL's strict salary cap.

Folau, who has played eight tests for Australia and is an incumbent member of the powerful Queensland state-of-origin team, has never played Australian rules football. He said the money wasn't the only lure.

"If I stayed in rugby league or even if I went to rugby union I would be getting paid well," he told a news conference Tuesday. "Money was not the end factor in my decision, it was the opportunity that came up.

"I certainly have to learn a lot of skills to adapt to the game and that is one of the challenges I have to face ... but I'll do what it takes to become a successful AFL player."

Folau said he spoke to Hunt before deciding to switch codes.

"I'm not feeling any pressure at all, I'm just looking forward to the opportunity that's been placed before me," he said. "It's going to be a great journey and an adventure for me."

The switch has put Folau's position in the Queensland team in doubt for game two of the state-of-origin series against New South Wales on June 16. Queensland is only one win away from securing a record fifth straight series against the Blues.

- AP