Wallaby wild card Lote Tuqiri has vowed to train the house down in an attempt to steal a winger's jumper from Wendell Sailor in the build-up to the World Cup.

Tuqiri, likely to remain with the NSW Waratahs next season if the yet-to-be-determined coach gives him "a crack" at outside centre, admits Sailor has the inside running for the Wallabies' upcoming Test against Ireland in Perth.

But their man-on-man battle for a starting berth at the World Cup in October has only just begun.

Joe Roff, at this stage, has a mortgage on the other flank.

"Wendell's got the runs on the board at the moment," said Tuqiri.

"He's shown this year that he should be there. He's had a great year. He's pushed it up a cog so I've got to try to go with him.

"He's earned it, but I'll try to catch him. I'll put everything I have into showing my wares on the training paddock and we'll see what happens from there."

Fast-improving Tuqiri briefly got his hands on the Wallabies' No.14 jumper today for a photo shoot. "Might be a good sign," he said before giving it back. Sailor is certain to squeeze into it against Ireland on June 7.

"We're good for each other," Tuqiri said of Sailor, a close mate.

"We egg each other on a bit. It's only healthy but now we're pretty much going for the same position.

"It's a different type of situation for us. We've never really gone for the one spot. We played together in league for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia and we always did well playing together.

"So this is new for us."

Tuqiri said making the Wallabies' squad after only 11 Super 12 games had been "a dream come true."

Australia's latest dual international will come off the bench against Ireland.

"It's sensational," he said.

"I'm still learning the game but I'm thankful they've given me a chance. They say it's the ultimate test. I've played some big games in rugby league and now this is my chance to try to do something in rugby union.

"I'll try and make every post a winner at training and hopefully get picked in the squad."

The new Waratahs coach will have to offer Tuqiri a chance at outside centre if they want him to stay, although Wallabies Nathan Grey and Morgan Turinui will have something to say about that. Forced to stay on the wing in NSW, Tuqiri might pack his bags and join Sailor at the Queensland Reds.

"We're sussing that out at the moment," Tuqiri said.

"The Waratahs haven't appointed a new coach as yet and I'd like to know what happens on that front before I make any decision.

"I'm happy down here, having fun. It was good getting away from Brisbane - I was in a bit of a comfort zone. I've enjoyed myself thoroughly, and I'd probably say I'm leaning towards the `Tahs.

"I had a chat to Queensland last week and I said I wouldn't mind having a go at outside centre. I'm happy playing on the wing at the moment but outside centre is definitely something I'd like to try.

"I've still got a lot to learn in rugby but I should be ripe for the picking by next year. I'd get a lot more ball.

"Maybe the Waratahs will give me a crack. I didn't get the ball out wide much this year but if I can get in closer and get my hands on the footy I might go alright."

Wallabies' coach Eddie Jones said Tuqiri would go more than alright - but not yet.

"I feel definitely in the future he's going to be an outside centre," said Jones.

"Next year will be a great chance for him to play outside centre but, particularly at Test level, wing is going to be his position for the time being."

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