Israel Folau

“We used to do a lot of kick-catch work with Carlton, and it really taught us some great skills catching above our heads, off our chest. Those things I've carried throughout my career and I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to learn that.”

“My principle and my faith is what is driving me from the get-go.”

“The last thing I want to do is force tries to happen.”

“No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion.”

“All the success I want is to inspire and impact on people that I come across that watch the game.”

“Coming to the Waratahs was the first time I felt I gained some independence. I was telling my parents I had to go out on my own, and learn and grow, and if I made mistakes, then so be it.”

“First and foremost, I live for God now. His plans for me are better than whatever I can think.”

“The goal for me is to stand up for the word of God which is so important to me. It means more to me than what I have.”

“Playing at fullback it's part of your role to get up and take those high balls.”

“You want to try to play the game in a really good positive way, not just on the field but off the field as well in being a positive person and getting good vibes out to the community.”

“I've been watching a whole heap of video footage of different players on different teams and how different players get the football. But the best way I learn is getting out there and playing.”

“As a playing group you don't go into the game thinking about whether you're the underdog or not.”

“Growing up, I never imagined my journey would pan out as it has, but the one thing I always knew was that I believed in myself.”

“I never had a special social media clause, I had a standard contract, the same as every other player.”

“The whole AFL experience was important for me not only as an athlete but as a person.”

“I had purpose in my heart that I would stand up for the truth regardless of what I might lose in life.”

“I have love towards everyone that might be saying negative things. I choose to love them because God loves me.”

“I really want to be a mentor to other Islander kids, because I understand the pressure they are under from their parents.”

“I understand that not everyone shares my faith and some find it difficult to reconcile with their own beliefs.”

“If I am playing the game freely, and those opportunities come up to cross the line, then I get enjoy that a lot. But when I try to force things, I am not playing my best footy.”