Newcastle upset Broncos in 30-22 win
Coach Ivan Henjak is hoping the Israel Folau circus doesn't become a major distraction to Brisbane's NRL campaign after Friday night's 30-22 NRL loss to Newcastle at Suncorp Stadium.
While Henjak dismissed suggestions the speculation surrounding Folau's future at the club had had any impact on Brisbane's performance, it was painfully clear he was keen for talk about their superstar back to end as the Broncos dropped their sixth game of the season.
Brisbane are on just four premiership and sit second last on the ladder.
Folau, who on Friday failed to take up a two year option with Brisbane for seasons 2011-12, brushed past a battery of journalists after the loss without giving a comment on his future.
There have been reports of a $3 million, three-year AFL offer and another from rugby union's new Super 15 franchise, the Melbourne Rebels, estimated at more than $600,000-a-season for the 21 year-old.
Asked if he thought all the speculation during the week had affected the team's preparations, Henjak said: "no, I don't.
"You're obviously talking about Izzy (Folau). I can't tell you what's going on inside his head but the rest of the team ... no, it wasn't a distraction.
"I thought Izzy was good, it didn't look like it affected him."
Henjak said Folau hadn't spoken to him about his plans.
"I don't know actually. I'm sure he will and his management will tell us when they're ready.
"It would be nice, so we can all move forward."
Newcastle bounded out to a shock 12-0 lead after 15 minutes and looked like giving Brisbane a touch up.
But the Broncos put on four tries in 11 minutes to lead 22-12 at halftime but failed to score a point in the second half.
"Errors killed us," said Henjak.
"The guys are down and disappointed now but we've got to get over that.
"Well have the weekend off, pick ourselves up and go again, that's all you can do.
Lockyer said Brisbane were guilty of too much dropped ball.
"We're a young team and the penny's not dropping, but we'll get there."
Knights skipper Kurt Gidley put his name up in front of Australian selectors in his third game back, prompting coach Rick Stone to push his claims.
"His an incumbent," said Stone when asked about Gidley's chance of winning a bench spot in Australia's side to play New Zealand in Melbourne next week.
"I don't know about the bench," he said.
"The way he led his team tonight was outstanding.
"Any team looking for a player would look at him, he's one of the best in the world."
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