Meninga-like Falou in Origin discussion
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 4:13 PM
Comparisons are already being made between strapping Melbourne Storm teenager Israel Folau and former Queensland and Australian rugby league legend Mal Meninga.
But Meninga - who still owns the record for the most Origin appearances with 32 - says the 17-year-old, already in Origin discussions after just two NRL games, is a far more awesome sight than he was when he started in senior ranks.
"He's stronger and bigger than me when I started out," said Meninga.
Queensland selector Gene Miles can see similarities between the 97kg Falou and a young Meninga.
"You could compare them, couldn't you, he's a raw-boned 17-year-old," said Miles, who partnered Meninga in the Maroons centres many times during his own 20 Origin appearances.
Of Tongan descent and born in Sydney, Folau has declared he wants to play Origin football for Queensland, following the path of his Storm teammate, Bowraville (NSW) born Greg Inglis, who made his interstate debut last year as a 19-year-old.
He played Under 16s and 19s for Queensland last year, the first player to do so in the same year since former Brisbane forward Allan Cann in the 1980s.
Both Meninga and Miles believe he'll play Origin and neither rules out the possibility he'll surpass Ben Ikin as the youngest player for either state.
"It's a bit like Greg (Inglis) last year," Meninga told AAP.
"If you're good enough you should come into calculations even at that age.
"He's a kid who can win a game in their air for you, both in attack and defensively.
"He just needs a bit more confidence about what he does because he's a big fellow.
"We've got a fair depth in our outside backs but his time will come."
While Inglis was only a teenager when picked last year, Meninga said he displayed a lot of self belief.
"If Israel can have the same sort of traits there's no reason why he can't get selected for Origin at his age," said Meninga.
Miles agreed Folau had all the physical attributes to be a blockbusting player.
"He just looks like an athlete," said Miles, renowned for running over rivals and his magnificent off-loading skills.
"Wing has obviously been a troubled position for us in the last few years.
"I've only seen Folau play two games but he looks a rare talent in the making.
"You know he's well coached and you know Craig Bellamy won't let him get carried away with his efforts."
Meninga allayed fears national team custodian Karmichael Hunt could jeopardise his Origin fullback jumper by playing halfback for the Broncos.
Queensland have an abundance of fullbacks with Hunt, Inglis, Billy Slater and Matt Bowen all candidates.
"There's no reason Karmichael can't play fullback even if he is playing halfback for Brisbane.
"As long as he is playing well and playing with a lot of confidence which you need under the high ball."
Meninga said Queensland had to pick its best 17 players first.
"Most players are very versatile these days," he said.
"Greg (Inglis) is a great example, you want him in your 17.
"But he's playing five-eighth for Melbourne, so does that mean you leave Darren Lockyer out?"
Source: AAP