NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika is working on ways to ensure new attacking weapon Israel Folau sees more ball ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Queensland Reds on Saturday week.

That could spell trouble for the Reds – and all other Super Rugby opposition – given what Folau has done with limited ball in his three Waratahs trial matches since switching to his third football code.

He’s scored three tries and will go into the Reds’ clash after turning in a man-of-the-match performance in the Waratahs’ 16-14 loss to the Crusaders in Sydney on Thursday night.

The fullback opened up the respected Crusaders’ defence on a number of occasions with some jinking runs and also produced a burst where he bumped off big and well-regarded centre Robbie Fruean.

Every touch from the former NRL star lifted the crowd and created an air of expectation and excitement not seen at a Waratahs game in some time.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder described the code-hopper as “a player with immense potential”.

Cheika is thrilled with Folau’s efforts in the trials and now wants to maximise the threat he poses to opponents.

“He looked dangerous when he got the ball which is really good,” Cheika said.

“He had a few good counter attacks.

“I think we’ve got to try to get him into the game a bit more from our set piece. We have to work out how to do that.

“We’ve got a few ideas on what we can do but all in all his first three games have been very positive for his entry into rugby I’d say. I think everyone would agree.”