SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - FEBRUARY 24: Israel Folau of the Waratahs watches on during the round two Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Stormers at Allianz Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

A return to where it all started is on the cards for Israel Folau with the cross-code star refusing to rule out a return to the NRL.

Folau is off contract at the end of the year and is in no rush to decide his playing future.

The lure of playing in a second World Cup might not even be enough to keep the star athlete in rugby union.

"Look, (the World Cup) is something I enjoyed last time around. But, in saying that, there’s plenty of options on the line and, when that time comes, I’ll make a decision when I’m ready," Folau told media on Wednesday.

"There’s no rush. I want to make sure everything is set in position and I feel comfortable and I’ll come out and make that announcement."

Folau is undoubtedly in the sights of multiple NRL clubs and would be a massive boost for the rugby league to have a player of his statue return to the code.

A rugby league Test representative at just 18, multiple State of Origin series victories with Queensland and a Premiership with Melbourne is a pretty handy resume and Folau's list of achievements have only grown since joining rugby union.

Folau has now played 62 Tests for the Wallabies since debuting in 2013 and is the only three-time winner of the John Eales Medal.

At only 28, Folau is at the peak of his powers physically and no doubt will be in high demand, with multiple codes and countries all vying for his signature in the upcoming months.

The Waratahs remain confident they can keep Folau in the 15-man code, with his contract able to be supplemented by a Rugby Australia top-up.

A move from Sydney to Auckland could also weigh heavily into Folau's plans though, after marrying New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia last November.

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