Brisbane Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said he felt "disappointed, not betrayed" in reaction to Israel Folau's signing with the Greater Western Sydney AFL Club. Mitch the Prince Lewis reports.
Cullen admitted that the Broncos, and rugby league as a whole, could in no way compete with what was being offered by the AFL, which was rumoured to be $3 million over three years.
Though the CEO did state that the amount he heard was closer to double that, being $6 million over four years.
Asked on his thoughts regarding the NRL and its actions to ensure this "code jumping" minimises in the future, Cullen said that he believes Rugby League needs to do something, but as to what that was, raising the salary cap, allowing other outside sponsorship deals etc, he does not know.
Cullen implored that he did not feel betrayed by Folau's decision, understanding that the offer was too good to refuse but that he was obviously disappointed. He believes that the best Rugby League to come from Israel Folau was still in the future and he had hoped that future was with the Brisbane club.
If what he has heard is true and the deal offered to Folau is indeed four years and not three, Israel would be 25 at the end of his time with the AFL. Asked, if Folau opted for a return to the NRL, would the Broncos welcome him back, Cullen answered simply: "Definitely".
Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images Sport/Bradley Kanaris
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