Wallabies back Israel Folau is hoping to make a shift to outside centre during the Vodacom Super Rugby season in a bid to get closer to the action.

Folau, who was the tournament's top try-scorer from fullback in 2014, is back in pre-season with the Waratahs as they look to defend the title they won in dramatic fashion against the Crusaders.

Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika considered moving Folau into midfield last season, but the chance never came. With Adam Ashley-Cooper set to depart for France at the end of the season, Folau might be viewed as a long-term successor at outside centre.

Folau believes the position is similar to the one he fulfilled in rugby league, and is hoping to prove his worth this season.

'It's something I see as a little bit similar in attack to what I played as a centre in league – running lines and getting in amongst it, the ball in hand, close to the action – that's something that really excites me,' Folau told Fairfax Media.

'But that's only one element, the other area is defence, and at set piece. I'm willing to take up the challenge.

'We spoke about it last year, we haven't spoken about it this year, but it's something I keep in the back of my mind.

'I'm open to it and I've played wing before, so it would be good to have a whole different bag of skills where you could play in different positions for the team.'

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