Folau's first Super Rugby appearance for New South Wales was against long-time rivals Queensland in the second round (23 February 2013) of the season at Lang Park, Brisbane. Folau's debut try for the Waratahs came in the forty-seventh minute, and was the first Waratahs try of the match. The Waratahs lost 25–17. Folau's first home appearance with the Waratahs was in the third round against the Melbourne Rebels. Although Folau didn't score, and with the Waratahs having to fight back a ten point deficit at half-time, the Waratahs won the match 31–26.
