Lote Tuqiri measures Israel Folau for Wallabies jersey after 'awesome' show LOTE Tuqiri believes a Wallabies jersey is "just around the corner" for fellow code-hopper Israel Folau following his brilliant performances for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby. Tuqiri, who played 67 Tests for the Wallabies between 2003 and 2009, has keenly followed Folau's progress in the 15-a-side code. Folau received another man of the match award in the Waratahs' 72-10 win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth last Sunday and is clearly in the frame to make the Wallabies' 31-man squad for the British and Irish Lions series this winter. "He is going awesome," Tuqiri said. I caught the highlights of the game. He looked untouchable. He has another big game here this week (against the Stormers) so I'll be cheering him. I have been following his progress as much as I can. I think he is really playing well and has made every post a winner. A Wallaby jersey is just around the corner for him. I said it at the start of the year and I haven't changed my mind in that sense. There has been speculation Folau would return to rugby league next year, although he said on Monday he wanted to stay in rugby for the long term and was looking to finalise negotiations with the ARU and the Waratahs. Asked whether he would like to see Folau back in rugby league, Tuqiri said: "He is doing some really good things in rugby. We'd love to have him here. Hopefully, that happens next year ... be back in rugby league. Folau sounded out Tuqiri for advice when he switched to rugby this year, but he has not spoken to him about his next career move. "If he is enjoying himself, then he has decisions to make himself," Tuqiri said. If he wants some advice, he has my number and everything else. He has good teammates, a good coach; they are steering him in the right direction. The world is his oyster. Folau scored one of the Waratahs' 11 tries against the Kings, but it was his other involvement which showed how quickly he had adapted to the game. His high work-rate was measured by the fact he made 17 hit-ups, which was three more than second-rower Sitaleki Timani, who was the next highest with 14. He was full of running, making 221m, second only behind livewire five-eighth Bernard Foley, who made 288. Of Folau's six offloads, six came from first receiver, which indicated he was confident enough in himself to assume the playmaking position. If there was any criticism of Folau's play in the early rounds, it was his work at the breakdown where he looked a little bit lost at times. But Folau's seven ruck arrivals against the Kings showed he was fast learning that aspect of the game. If Folau continues in this vein, he will not only make the Wallabies squad for the Lions series, he will compete for a place in the starting line-up. While Folau plays fullback for the Waratahs, he would probably play on the wing for the Wallabies, with Kurtley Beale at No 15 and Digby Ioane on the other wing.