Israel Folau ready to take to the field for the Waratahs in Hobart trial Israel Folau admits that it will be hard to secure a spot in the New South Wales Waratahs starting 15, as he and the team prepare for their first trial match against the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart. Israel Folau lands in Hobart ahead of Saturday's pre-season match against the Melbourne Rebels Picture: Luke Bowden Source: The Daily Telegraph ISRAEL Folau is ready to play a full 80 minutes when he makes his first foray into rugby union tonight. NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said the code-hopping superstar would play at least one half of football against the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart, spending time at fullback and on the wing. Despite joining his third football code in three years, Folau's final message was simple yesterday before he and an under-strength Waratahs team flew to Hobart: "I'm ready." Despite only joining the Waratahs on December 4 - just 59 days ago - Folau says his body is physically ready to handle a full game just over three weeks out from their Super Rugby season- opener against the Queensland Reds on February 23. In his eight weeks of pre-season training Folau has bulked up three kilos on top of the weight he gained while training privately at the end of his only season of AFL with the GWS Giants. It is in his head where he faces the toughest challenges. Having not played the 15-a-side game since high school, his knowledge of the sport still needs developing. His first appearance in rugby makes tonight's clash one of the most anticipated Waratahs trials ever, but the 23-year-old former NRL star and his new coach both insist their first priority for Folau is simply to enjoy himself. "I'm certainly more confident heading into this game," Folau said when asked how tonight's game compared with his AFL debut. With a contact sport like this I've got to get used to the amount of tackling and getting off the ground, which you don't really have to do too much in AFL. That's something I've had to condition my body to get used to again. While he has had huge support from Cheika and his teammates in learning the intricacies of playing on the wing and at fullback, Folau said it was the advice from his own family members that has sunk in the most this week. Their advice was simple: "Go out there and enjoy yourself. Back yourself and have fun. It was the same advice he received from Cheika. "I just said to him I need you to enjoy yourself," Cheika said. If you're getting the ball and you've got natural talent, there's not much else to do. He's going to make some mistakes. He's going to make some positional mistakes, but so is everyone. I'm not worried about that. While Cheika is happy to let Folau develop at his own pace, playing with intensity is non-negotiable for every player in his squad. Positions are still up for grabs. Cheika said every player in his 27-man squad would spend significant time on the field tonight. "It is the day to put your hand up for a spot," he said. There's a real opportunity for a lot of guys who don't even have a contract. I won't be scared to find a way to get them in there. I don't know how I can do it, but I'll find a way to do it. If you play good enough, you'll get a chance. Even Folau believes he needs a strong performance right from the opening kick-off to earn his spot in the team.