Israel Folau's AFL career is over after the high-profile rugby league convert quit the Greater Western Sydney Giants two seasons into a multi-million dollar, four-year deal.
Folau made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, saying he did not have the passion to continue a career in AFL.
"I've really enjoyed my experience at the Giants. In the end I think the passion wasn't quite right," Folau said, confirming he told the Giants on Wednesday night after about a month's consideration.
"If I stayed I guess I was kind of cheating myself.
"I had to be honest and move forward.
"I had to be honest with the club and be up front with them, otherwise it wouldn't be fair for these guys to move forward."
The 23-year-old gave no indication as to where his career would go next, not ruling out a return to the NRL or a move to rugby.
"At this stage I've had no discussions with any clubs at all," he said.
"I'm leaving it up to my management.
"I can't confirm anything. My future at the moment is uncertain. I still don't know what to do."
Early reports say Parramatta is in line to swoop for Folau, who could join younger brother John at the Eels under new coach Ricky Stuart.
Folau admitted the lure of State of Origin was always a factor in the future of his career.
"When I first left it was hard to watch," he said.
"Before I made the decision to come across, those were the type of things I was thinking about."
Folau left the Brisbane Broncos in a much-publicised code switch in 2010 after four spectacular seasons in the NRL, representing Queensland in State of Origin and Australia at international level.
Folau's exit from the NRL was written off by many as a publicity stunt to assist GWS's inception into the AFL - the success of which was undoubtedly greater than Folau's on-field production.
Despite his telling size, power and athleticism, Folau averaged just six touches and kicked two goals in his 13 games in 2012.
In stark contrast to fellow convert Karmichael Hunt, Folau struggled to adapt to his new game, as the Giants experimented playing him in defence, up forward and in the ruck.
"He's doing a great job switching from rugby league and coming across and he's been playing well so it wouldn't be that hard," Folau said of his former Broncos team-mate.
"But the decision that I had to make was the one that I wanted to do."
Folau said he was still proud of what he had achieved.
"It was definitely not a mistake," he said.
"I've learnt a lot about the game and myself and I wouldn't change anything."
"Everyone has their different opinions and views on my decisions.
"At the end of the day it's only mine that matters."
"I've enjoyed every game I've been involved in. To be quite honest I didn't think I'd play that many games."
Giants chief executive David Matthews thanked Folau and described him as a "trailblazer" in the game.
Kevin Sheedy maintained Folau would have been a star had he started playing the game from a younger age but still held out hope of an unlikely return.
"Izzy might come back in two years saying 'I haven't got the job done yet'," the veteran coach said.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said Folau left the league with its "blessing".
"Our focus is on what Israel feels is right for him as an individual and as a sportsman, and so we support what has been a very tough decision for him," he said in a statement.
By cutting Folau and his lucrative contract loose, the Giants are a strong chance to recruit former Crows forward Kurt Tippett.
Tippett will be available in the AFL's preseason draft after a move from Adelaide to Sydney broke down during the trade period.
Matthew said discussions with Tippett's management will be "re-engaged".
Tags: australian-football-league, nrl, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, homebush-2140 First posted November 01, 2012 14:46:10