Reds coach Ewan McKenzie has been doing his research on new Waratahs signing Israel Folau who is expected to make a big impact in Super Rugby this year.

The former Rugby League star was the Waratahs' most high-profile recruit in the off-season and McKenzie said that with all of the hype surrounding him it hasn't been difficult to size Folau up as a threat.

He told the Brisbane Times: "I've been reading about the Tahs every day. They've been keeping us well informed. We know well and truly what they are up to."

The Australian rivals will square off with each other in the second round of Super Rugby, in Brisbane on February 23, for what will be the Waratahs' first game of the season and given all the fuss that has been made of Folau, McKenzie expects to see him in the starting line-up.

"They'll find a way to use him. It will be interesting to see if he appears in their first official game. He's a good player. I'm sure he'll be there or thereabouts," he said.

Given Folau's renowned prowess in the air he is expected to be used at fullback by Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, but McKenzie is happy to wait until the pre-season trial matches to see where he will fit in.

"We'll have a look at the trial games and see where he goes. You expect they've made an investment there and they will want to use him," he said.