Quotes from Israel Folau

Growing up, I never imagined my journey would pan out as it has, but the one thing I always knew was that I believed in myself.

Most people don't realise there's certain things that players go through off the field. Most times, guys are good at hiding things.

God's word says for a man and a woman to be together, one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage to be together.

I understand that not everyone shares my faith and some find it difficult to reconcile with their own beliefs.

I've been watching a whole heap of video footage of different players on different teams and how different players get the football. But the best way I learn is getting out there and playing.

There are a lot of messages in my books which I have specifically targeted for children, based on my own experiences growing up: the importance of healthy eating and being active, playing fair, setting goals, working together and anti-bullying.

The way Satan works is he offers you stuff that could look good to the eye and makes you feel comfortable, and if you follow that path all the worries and troubles will go away.

In a Polynesian family it's not always about yourself, you've got to look after your parents and your younger siblings.

All the success I want is to inspire and impact on people that I come across that watch the game.

It was a really tough transition going from rugby league to AFL.

I enjoy watching the NFL, but you've got to have a real passion to make that transition and have a real crack at it.

Obviously the gospel was offensive to a lot of people and it was offensive to me at one point but that caused me to have a change of heart, to come to repentance and realise I was a sinner and needed a saviour.

Mum didn't have shoes. She was the eldest of 10 kids, and some nights they went without food. That's why, from a young age, I wanted to work hard and change that cycle, to provide not only for my parents but my siblings, too.

I was taught some very good life lessons and morals as a young kid growing up.

They are allowing young kids in primary school to be able to have the permission to change their gender if they want by taking away the permission of the parents. They are trying to take control, as a government, to make those decisions for young kids who are basically 16 years old, or young.

I was lucky enough to play with great platers Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer and that's where I learned about leadership.

The last thing I want to do is force tries to happen.

I'm extremely proud to have represented my country. It's truly an honour.

I really want to be a mentor to other Islander kids, because I understand the pressure they are under from their parents.

I grew up as a Mormon.

All the changes that have happened in my career have been since I left the Mormon faith.

For me speed and power is the most important thing on the footy field as well as agility which I work on everyday.

As a playing group you don't go into the game thinking about whether you're the underdog or not.

Don't ever be ashamed of the Gospel. Stand up, and be bold.