The battle for back-three spots in the NSW Waratahs’ side is set to heat up following Israel Folau’s spectacular Super Rugby trial debut.

Folau bagged a double playing fullback in his first professional rugby hitout and threatened with most of his carries in a 24-16 win over the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika says the former NRL and AFL superstar will play again in next week’s trial against the Blues in New Zealand, as will Wallabies backs Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell.

With Adam Ashley-Cooper due back for the side’s first competition match against Queensland on February 23, Cheika will have a welcome selection headache.

“It’s going to hot up,” Cheika said.

” … There’s going to be a big competition for spots back there and that’s a great thing for us to have.”

Folau played the majority of the match at fullback, but also spent time on both wings.

He scored his second try from outside centre but Cheika ruled out a start at No.13 for the former Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and GWS Giants player.

The coach said the plan was to keep things simple and enjoyable for Folau while he continued to learn his third professional football code.

“The coach doesn’t need to complicate stuff more,” Cheika said.

“Just go and play. You know the parameters.

“If we’re adding new things to our game we’ll do some explanations.

“If he wants to know other things or he needs help, he’ll ask like he has already.”

Cheika said he was encouraging his back three to switch positions during the match.

“We play a very interchangeable system (with) wing and fullback,” Cheika said.

“We probably have three or four wingers who play fullback very comfortably – Lachlan Turner, Drew Mitchell can play fullback – and I think we need to create that kind of comfort.

” … I’m all for that changing just randomly (in a match).”

Cheika was also impressed with backs Peter Betham, Tom Kingston, Cam Crawford and Elijah Niko in the four-tries-to-two victory.

“If people deserve to keep going they’ll keep going,” the coach said.

“It’s all about earning a right to represent and that’s what we want to try and build.

“We’ll try to keep the good balanced approach of earning the right to wear the colours and perform for the team, that’s the key thing.”