Kevin Sheedy has defended the character of former AFL player Israel Folau, saying he is entitled to his views, even though the coaching legend doesn't share them.

The former Greater Western Sydney coach said Folau's character was shown when the rugby star and then AFL player gave up a significant sum of money when he quit the Giants, telling the coach that he didn't feel he was worth that amount.

Folau, who is embroiled in a dispute with Rugby Australia over anti-gay tweets that prompted Rugby to sack him and Folau to take legal action, had been paid close to a million dollars to play AFL, a sport that had never played previously.

Sheedy, who coached Folau at the Giants in 2012 - their first season - when Folau crossed from rugby league to play 13 senior games, called Folau "one of the nicest people you'd ever meet.''

Sheedy said Folau had told the coach, "I don't think I'm worth that money'' when the code-hopper told Sheedy he'd decided to quit the Giants.