Daniel Tupou dreams to alongside Israel Folau for Tonga, so was rightfully disappointed when his potential return to rugby league were shut down by the RLIF.
The prospect of playing alongside Folau for the Mate Ma'a excited Tupou, who he idolised growing up.
“Hearing about that was awesome. I’ve always looked up to him as a player because of the talent he brings to any team he plays in,” Tupou told AAP.
“I was pretty stoked to hear. It’d be a dream to play with him. “I just don’t know where it’s at right now.”
Joining the NRL two years after Folau's exit, Tupou saw him as a role model who he based his game around.
“We had the same strengths, similar height, so I tried to base my game around him because he could jump, man,” the 28-year-old said.
“Coming through, of course he was an idol growing up.
“All that stuff he could do on the field, even in union.
“Man, I’d love to put on the same jersey as him.”
But Tupou remains solely focused on the Roosters and helping the team win back-to-back premierships.
“I love (Trent Robinson) as a coach and as a bloke,” Tupou said. “He’s taught me so much, got me out of my shell. I’m pretty comfortable under my own skin when I’m around him.
“My manager was telling me about (the offers), but I just told him I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“Being around the club, the culture that it’s built, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else at the moment.”
Hasn’t he got one of his own?
Yeah, but the money makes up for the lack of soul.
Always great to have fwits as your idol.
So lodge ok to play.
Women bashers ok too.
But not a christian? Got it.
He’s no Christian, he’s part of a sick cult that even Christians have distanced themselves from. He preaches hatred and intolerance, hardly something Christ would condone.
Thats not true Daffy. True Christians go by the Word of God. The Bible is the word of God. Folau quoted a verse from that book. If Christians do not follow those words in that book, then they are not Christians. Folau is and most Kiwi and Pacific Islanders are. They kneel after every game and talk (pray) to God. If your offended by his quote. Then you are offended by God’ very Word.
God’s very Word.
Gee thanks Mark. So I guess I am offended God’s very word.
How could He Greggo. Jesus called himself the “I Am” when he said in John 8:56-59. After the Pharisees asked Him “ who do you think you are?”
Jesus said “Before Abraham was born, I Am!
So Greggo, I Am did not offend Himself.
Anyway I think Folau is getting a rough deal from the Nrl and should be allowed to play footy.
Spot on Mark. I agree the NRL need to allow Folau to play.
Most countries and religions agree with the biblical point of view because the same instructions are in their Holy books also. The Bible, Torah, Koran agree with the Folau post.
Same for same marriage is not in Indonesia, China, Russia, Africa or the Middle East and many South American countries. Three quarters of the World agree with Folau.
Its time to realise Nrl that Australia is a multinational country and they want Folau to play.