Dyldam Parramatta Eels centre John Folau made an impressive debut in the opening clash of the 2015 NRL Dick Smith Auckland Nines, with the 112kg back instrumental in the Eels last minute victory over the Sea Eagles.
Match Report and Highlights – Eels v Sea Eagles
The 20 year old Folau was involved in a handful of bulldozing runs and with the Eels trailing early in the second half, Folau showed brute strength, crash overing the top of the Sea Eagles defence to claim a four pointer.
“It’s really good to put on the jersey again and have a run around with the boys,” Folau said of the opening Nines clash.
“I was just lucky to get the try off the back of the boys who were rolling forward to it’s a full credit to the boys.”
Folau, who featured prominently in the Eels NYC side in 2014 was glad to be back representing the Blue and Gold and making his first appearance at the two-day extravaganza.
“It was quick paced and a lot more than what I expected,” Folau said.
“The game was faster than what I thought it would be, but I’m just glad to be back out there running around again.”
And when the Eels take on the Newcastle Knights for their second clash of the tournament, Folau will be hoping that the vocal Auckland crowd will once again be in the Eels corner.
“It was awesome to have the Auckland crowd behind us. We have a pretty good fan base here in New Zealand and it was good to see a couple of Blue and Gold jerseys in the crowd cheering us on so it’s been good.”
The Eels will play the Knights with the match kicking off at 4:45pm (2:25 AEDT).
