John Folau

Israel Folau's brother John Folau set for Super Rugby debut with NSW Waratahs

Now it's potentially double trouble for the bottom-placed and soon-to-be-extinct Sunwolves, with Folau's younger brother John in line to make his NSW Waratahs debut at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.

John Folau, in his maiden season at the Waratahs after switching codes from rugby league, was promoted to the bench on Thursday after winger Curtis Rona was ruled out with a groin injury.

While Alex Newsome will start as Rona's replacement, the 24-year-old Folau is almost certain to be unleashed on the Sunwolves at some point in the second half.

John Folau to run out for emerging Waratahs

Folau signed a deal with the Waratahs at the end of last year but didn't feature in preseason due to injuries.

The younger brother of Israel Folau will start on the right wing in Friday evening's clash against the Kiwis, one of 15 Waratahs players in the 28-man squad.

South African giant Le Roux Roets is also set to make a start after his Super Rugby chances were dealt a blow with concussion in the final Waratahs trial.

Former Schoolboys Will Harris and Will Harrison are also in the squad, the latter starting at fullback.