Inglis could make it in NFL - Folau

Greg Inglis. Photo / Getty Images.

Australia's king of code-hopping Israel Folau won't be following Jarryd Hayne in pursuing a switch to the NFL - but he reckons South Sydney's champion fullback Greg Inglis could give it a crack.

Wallabies star Folau, who's successfully hopped from the NRL to AFL to rugby union, will be watching with interest as close mate Hayne tries to forge a career in American football.

Folau believes if Hayne is successful in landing an NFL deal it could prove a catalyst for other Australian players.

"There's a lot of talented players in all different codes in Australia and if Jarryd makes a good move I think it'll definitely open up other guys to maybe going over," Folau said ahead of the Wallabies' clash with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Asked which other Australian sportsmen he thought could be successful in making the switch, Folau backed his former Melbourne Storm, Queensland Maroons and Kangaroos rugby league teammate.

"Greg Inglis is probably the first name that pops up," Folau said.

"He's pretty talented. I think he'd do quite well."

Given Folau's freakish talent and the relative ease with which he's switched codes, many would consider him good enough to conquer almost any sport he chooses.

However Folau says his heart wouldn't be in an NFL move.

"I watch the game but you've really got to have a passion to want to go over there and have a real crack at it," Folau said.

"It's something I probably don't have a passion for as much as Jarryd does.

"It's definitely a huge move from Jarryd. Hopefully he goes over there and does well but for me, I'm really enjoying playing rugby and there's still probably a few things I want to achieve within rugby."

Folau is keeping his options open beyond next year's World Cup, with stints in Europe or Japan, or a possible return to the NRL, among his rumoured options.

He admits he's enjoying Wallabies life under his NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika but was coy when asked whether that was an incentive to stay in rugby.

"I've got one more year to run with the Waratahs and from there, there's a lot of options to weigh up," Folau said.

"I leave all that stuff up to my management and when the time comes, I'll sit down and reassess what I want to do."

-AAP