The IZZY effect: Tonga IC11

It was around this time last year when Israel Folau announced to Australia – and the world – his decision to join Greater Western Sydney in the AFL.

The former rugby league international and state representative turned heads with his announcement. But it wasn’t only in Australia, in particular the eastern states, where this was felt.

Further east in Tonga, a whole country was inspired to give AFL a go as they watched their beloved star Folau, who is of Tongan descent, with a Sherrin in hand for the very first time.

Thirteen months on and there’s a whole team of Folau-inspired players, most of which are over 6 foot, 90kg plus athletes, coming to Australia to represent Tonga for their debut in the International Cup. And, they want to get drafted.

“There has definitely been an Izzy (Israel Folau) effect in Tonga. The day he announced his code switch to AFL the phones of all AFL committee members nearly melted down with calls from parents wanting their children to join our AFL programs,” Tongan assistant coach Ed McCowan said.

AFL in Tonga has grown significantly in the lead up and on the back of Folau’s signing. There is now a dedicated school and junior development program which engages over 6,000 kids annually.

The under-16 national side recently won the Oceania Cup, beating their more experienced Pacific neighbours including Fiji and Nauru.

Games are now broadcast on television and next year the whole country will be able to watch Folau ply his trade for GWS – which will only increase interest.

Folau, who has kicked 14 goals from the last four rounds in his first season in NEAFL, said a major reason for his switch to AFL was to show kids and adults alike there’s another sport to play.

“That was part of the reason why I decided to come over [to AFL],” Folau said.

“I had a lot of great fans when I was playing rugby league, not only the kids in Tonga but the kids in Australia, there are a lot of Polynesian kids in western Sydney in particular, who all play rugby league or rugby union. AFL just gives them an option to play another sport.”

One Tongan who has crossed over and is now embracing and excelling at AFL is Folau’s cousin, Penisimani Mahina.

Mahina has recently been signed on an international scholarship with GWS. He will captain Tonga at IC11 and will reunite with Folau for the first time since they were kids.

“I met him when he was a lot younger but I haven’t seen him for a long time,” Folau said.

“He was playing rugby league before but decided to give AFL a crack and he’s certainly enjoying it. He can’t wait to get down here.”

Folau predicts AFL to take off in Tonga in the next five years and that locals are the perfect athletes to take the AFL world by storm.

“I certainly think [there will be more Tongans in the AFL soon],” he said.

“Some of them are great athletes … I think some of them can go a long way playing AFL.

“They just love the freedom of running around and having a kick. I think in the game of AFL you can do anything really.

“You can run around, you can tackle someone, you can kick and handball so it involves pretty much everything and I think that’s what they enjoy the most.”

The AFL International Cup will be held from August 12 to 21 in Sydney and will finish in Melbourne on August 27. All IC matches are free for the public. For all of the fixtures, news and results visit www.ic11.com.au or follow on Facebook (AFL International Cup) and Twitter (@aflic11).