Dyldam Parramatta Eels young gun John Folau has paid tribute to his teammates after running in two tries in his first ever home game – and first win - for the Blue and Gold.
After a solid debut in Round 3 in New Zealand, Folau put in a memorable performance in front of the Blue and Gold Army, including his brother, Israel, watching from the Western stand.
“It’s a proud moment for me, my first NRL win,” Folau said.
“But a credit to the boys. The effort they put it there for the full 80 minutes was unreal.”
“The atmosphere was just awesome, I can’t explain it. They just really backed us there, and just thanks to the crowd for coming out and supporting the boys.”
Opposition fullback, Greg Inglis, said Folau’s strength and power was just as impressive up close, as Folau stepped around Inglis and the South Sydney defence to score twice.
“He’s a good right foot!” Inglis said.
“Yeah, it’s lethal."
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Folau said the transition from NSW Cup to first grade was made easier by the guidance from his NRL teammates.
“It felt good, but then again it comes off the back off the boys running hard and just giving me the ball to put it over the white line,” Folau said.
“It was a lot faster, but you know the boys in our team just made it a lot easier for me to transition from NSW Cup to NRL.”
The Eels will now look to prepare for their second annual Easter Monday clash against the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
“That will be another big game for us,” Folau said.
“But we’ve got a long turn around so we’ll just go back and train hard.”
And while three of the Folau brothers are currently playing professional sport in Sydney (John for the Eels, Israel and Eni with the Waratahs), John warned the media not to get too hopeful.
“Yeah, there aren’t any more,” Folau laughed.
“I’m the last one!"
The secret to their success?
“Mum’s cooking."
Click here to view photos from the match
