HOBART - Israel Folau has declared himself a fish back in water after starring in his debut for the NSW Waratahs in a Super Rugby trial.
The former rugby league international and short-term AFL player bagged two tries, had a hand in another and was even yellow-carded in an eventful 24-16 win over the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart.
After two years trying to find his feet with AFL's Greater Western Sydney, Folau said he felt right in his third professional football code.
"I felt really comfortable to be quite honest," he told reporters at North Hobart Oval.
"It's like I never left a game like rugby.
"I felt really relaxed throughout the day and that's the way I felt coming into the game."
Asked if he'd missed that feeling of dominating a game, he said: "I've missed it for two years."
Starting at fullback, Folau reaped the rewards of Waratahs coach Michael Cheika's new attacking brand of rugby.
He was rarely called to kick and announced himself to the rugby world when he swerved to beat three defenders in just the 12th minute.
"That last try I just found myself in the right spot at the right time," Folau said after the match.