Izzy excited to face 'real' haka

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Folau is almost certain to start on the wing against the All Blacks in Sydney. Source:AAP

ADVICE from All Blacks great Jonah Lomu to back his instincts in rugby could not only see Israel Folau help snap the All Blacks' Bledisloe dominance this year, but the Wallaby star stick around and defend the Cup for a few years as well.

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Folau revealed Lomu's status as a mentor as he joined NSW Waratahs teammate Michael Hooper in picking up a major Super Rugby player award.

Hooper was voted Australia's Super Rugby player of the year, beating out George Smith and Will Genia, while Folau won the rookie of the year trophy for a superb first season in the 15-man game.

Folau's form for the Waratahs saw him play a star role in the Wallabies' Test series against the Lions, and after recovering from a hamstring tear in game III, the triple-code convert is pumped about another potential first: attending his first Bledisloe Cup game. Oh, and playing in it as well.

"I would probably look at the Bledisloe as being a similar thing to playing Origin in league," Folau said.

"In rugby it's the ultimate, it doesn't get any bigger playing the All Blacks. I have always watched rugby since I was a kid with my old man but I never been to a Bledisloe Cup game live.

"I always enjoyed watching the haka as they do it. Standing there in the line facing them would be very exciting."

Reminded he'd fronted the Kiwi league team's haka, Folau added: "Yeah, I faced the league haka but the real one you have to face is obviously against the All Blacks.

As he showed in the Lions series, Folau's x-factor could be the missing ingredient for the Wallabies in their bid to snap a 10-year Bledisloe Cup drought.

Folau revealed one of the keys to his rapid progress in rugby was a friendship with Lomu.

"He was one of my heroes growing up so I talk to him every now and then," Folau said.

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"I met him a couple of years ago just through a friend, just through a friend and since then I have been keeping in contact with him. When he's in Sydney he always come down to visit. He's been very supportive since my transition from AFL to rugby. He's been great.

"He just says to go out there and play to your instincts, and the way you see the game pan out. He's a perfect example of playing to your instincts, he was one of the greats of rugby."

Folau's instincts are more to run around people than over them, as Jonah did, and while he contemplated adding more bulk, Folau said he is happy with the agility of his current 101kg.

But Folau's instincts also appear to have guided him to stay in rugby, and not returning to league as speculated. Paperwork is yet to be finalised but Folau has made up his mind.

"I know personally want I want to do, so soon hopefully the public can find out," Folau said.

"I am really enjoying my time at the moment. I know what I want to do, it's just a few things we have to sort out. The discussions are really positive at the moment, and things are looking really good. We will just have to sort a few things out and then get a signature on paper."

Asked to sum up why he was content in rugby, Folau said: "The main thing is I am enjoying playing the game, that's the main attraction. Every other thing that's on the side, travelling and playing around the world in different countries is a big bonus. But for me it's I really enjoy playing the game and that's what it comes down to."

Folau admitted it was more enjoyable than he'd predicted after switching from AFL.

"It did (surprise me) in the start. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did," Folau said.

"But with Michael (Cheika) coaching the side at the Tahs and that different style of rugby we play, lucky enough it suited me, obviously, running with the ball and attacking.

"We played a bit like that in the Lions series and hopefully we can try and do that through this Championship and Bledisloe."

Hooper said he was "stoked" to be honoured as Australia's Super Rugby player of the season.

Though the Brumbies and Reds went further than NSW, more form players from those sides shared the 3-2-1 votes throughout the season than NSW; allowing the consistent Hooper to rattle up a lead. He attracted votes in nine matches, including four three-point hauls.

The Brumbies were team of the season, and Jake White won coach of the year. Queensland's Rod Davies won try of the season for a pearler against the Sharks in round 10.

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