The Greater Western Sydney aussie rules boss Dale Holmes has rubbished suggestions the signing of NRL star Israel Folau is simply a marketing gimmick aimed at making a mark in a rugby league stronghold.
Yesterday Folau agreed to a four-year deal believed to be worth more than 1 and a half million dollars a year with the AFL's newest franchise.
While the defection will no doubt generate interest in Western Sydney in much the same way as Karmichael Hunt has done with the Gold Coast franchise, Holmes says he and his staff are adamant Folau has the potential to be a success in AFL.
He says you don't make four-year investments of the nature of their for a gimmick.
While some have questioned Folau's ability to transfer his talents to the new code - in particular his aerobic capacity and ability to kick a Sherrin ball - the 21-year-old says he's willing to do the hard work to adapt.
He denied he was motivated by the riches on offer in AFL, but rather the desire to challenge himself and be closer to his extended family which still resides in western sydney.
