Talking Footy

Greater Western Sydney's Israel Folau footy's new $8 million man
James Hooper
The Daily Telegraph
February 12, 201212:00AM

IZZY Folau is on the fast track to becoming Australian sport's $8 million man - provided he can do the business for GWS.

Two years ago Folau would never have rated a mention alongside names such as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, UFC superstar Georges St Pierre or former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting.

But since signing a $6 million contract to become the face of the Giants, Folau has become one of Australia's most wanted athletes.

Yet to kick a goal or take a mark in the AFL, local and international companies are lining-up for a slice of the 196cm forward with the clean-cut image.

To the point where, if his on-field performance can match his off-field appeal, Folau stands to net an extra $2 million in sponsorship endorsements over the next three years.

His latest deal as the Australian face of US apparel giant Under Armour will see him flown to the company's Baltimore headquarters in November, where a specially designed size 14 boot will be tailored for release in Australia next year.

Under Armour already uses Brady and St Pierre as ambassadors in the US and Canada.

Folau's deal with Swisse vitamins in Australia puts him on par with Ponting and Wallabies star James O'Connor.

"At the start I've got to say all the endorsements side of things was all new and to be honest I'm still trying to get used to it," Folau said.

"But I've learnt to like taking up that role and doing something new and something I'm not used to.

"Tom Brady and George St Pierre are certainly big names. I'm a big fan of the NFL and I'm excited about heading over to America and being associated with the same brand as them."

Initially lambasted as little more than a marketing tool in the AFL's invasion of western Sydney, the national appeal of football has almost tripled Folau's advertising appeal from his days as a rugby league player.

Deals with Under Armour, Skoda, Swisse, Cadbury Australia, Foxtel, ANZ Stadium, Glue Store and Carerra sunglasses underline his commercial worth.

The AFL's marketing division is so calculating that when it came time to enter one of the GWS players in the Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition, the Giants told Folau he had to do it.

To prepare for his entry to the big-time, which is 41 days away in the stand-alone season starter against the Sydney Swans, Folau has been studying video footage of Hawthorn's two-time Coleman medallist Lance Franklin and versatile West Coast Eagle Nick Naitanui.

"I've been watching a whole heap of video footage of different players on different teams and how different players get the football," Folau said.

"But still, the best way I learn is getting out there and playing.

"Each time I go out and play I'm certainly getting a lot more confidence."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6268651996

Beaussie wrote:

Way to go Israel. You would never have been in such high demand from advertisers if you stayed with the NRL.

Greater Western Sydney's Israel Folau footy's new $8 million man
James Hooper
The Daily Telegraph
February 12, 201212:00AM

IZZY Folau is on the fast track to becoming Australian sport's $8 million man - provided he can do the business for GWS.

Two years ago Folau would never have rated a mention alongside names such as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, UFC superstar Georges St Pierre or former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting.

But since signing a $6 million contract to become the face of the Giants, Folau has become one of Australia's most wanted athletes.

Yet to kick a goal or take a mark in the AFL, local and international companies are lining-up for a slice of the 196cm forward with the clean-cut image.

To the point where, if his on-field performance can match his off-field appeal, Folau stands to net an extra $2 million in sponsorship endorsements over the next three years.

His latest deal as the Australian face of US apparel giant Under Armour will see him flown to the company's Baltimore headquarters in November, where a specially designed size 14 boot will be tailored for release in Australia next year.

Under Armour already uses Brady and St Pierre as ambassadors in the US and Canada.

Folau's deal with Swisse vitamins in Australia puts him on par with Ponting and Wallabies star James O'Connor.

"At the start I've got to say all the endorsements side of things was all new and to be honest I'm still trying to get used to it," Folau said.

"But I've learnt to like taking up that role and doing something new and something I'm not used to.

"Tom Brady and George St Pierre are certainly big names. I'm a big fan of the NFL and I'm excited about heading over to America and being associated with the same brand as them."

Initially lambasted as little more than a marketing tool in the AFL's invasion of western Sydney, the national appeal of football has almost tripled Folau's advertising appeal from his days as a rugby league player.

Deals with Under Armour, Skoda, Swisse, Cadbury Australia, Foxtel, ANZ Stadium, Glue Store and Carerra sunglasses underline his commercial worth.

The AFL's marketing division is so calculating that when it came time to enter one of the GWS players in the Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition, the Giants told Folau he had to do it.

To prepare for his entry to the big-time, which is 41 days away in the stand-alone season starter against the Sydney Swans, Folau has been studying video footage of Hawthorn's two-time Coleman medallist Lance Franklin and versatile West Coast Eagle Nick Naitanui.

"I've been watching a whole heap of video footage of different players on different teams and how different players get the football," Folau said.

"But still, the best way I learn is getting out there and playing.

"Each time I go out and play I'm certainly getting a lot more confidence."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6268651996

Beaussie wrote:

One thing is certain. K Hunt and Izzy could never earn the amounts of money they are now earning from their involvement in the AFL.

Only in the AFL can one get Australia wide recognition and interest from domestic and international sponsors.

NSWAFL wrote:

Beaussie wrote:

One thing is certain. K Hunt and Izzy could never earn the amounts of money they are now earning from their involvement in the AFL.

Only in the AFL can one get Australia wide recognition and interest from domestic and international sponsors.

Greg Inglis, AFL is calling!

Raiderdave wrote:

NSWAFL wrote:

Beaussie wrote:

One thing is certain. K Hunt and Izzy could never earn the amounts of money they are now earning from their involvement in the AFL.

Only in the AFL can one get Australia wide recognition and interest from domestic and international sponsors.

Greg Inglis, AFL is calling!

Greg .... is that you

yes... who's this ?

Andy Ididaphoo

who ?

Andy .. from singletball

oh .. yeah .. whats up

we need you

why

well... the thuns are failing even with Ima khunt .. & even with Izzy failhow .. the midgits have a membership tally you could fit in a phone box

oh ok , i'll think about it for ... 1.5 Million a season

hmmm ... 1.5 mill eh .. geez thats a lot for someone who's never played our game greg

well that didn't stop you signing the other 2 .. so its 1.5 or you can stick your singlet up yr @rse di.ckhead

oh .. ok .. we're desperate ..



AFL... a joke

Raiderdave wrote:

yes .. I'm predicting massive thinsg for Izzy
he'll be twice as succesful as Khunt

King-Eliagh wrote:

izzy's definitely got potential and he may do well,

King-Eliagh wrote:

but will he be worth those millions? That's hard to say yes to.