Sydney Roosters NRL rookie Daniel Tupou says he is humbled by comparisons to Israel Folau but hopes to take his game to the heights exhibited by the high-flying code hopper.

One of the young players who has set the NRL alight so far in 2013, Tupou’s ability has been compared to that of former Queensland and Australia star Folau by Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.

An important figure in the Roosters’ top-four charge, Tupou said he had attempted to mirror his game on that of Folau and one day hoped to emulate him.

“Israel was a real role model of mine growing up. I loved the way he played and I wanted to play like him,” Tupou told AAP on Friday.

“I really like the way he ran the ball so strongly, how he was under the high ball and just how strong he was.

“It was something that I have tried to copy.

“After watching Israel, I wanted to bring those things into my game, including that leap that he has.”

On comparisons to Folau, who is playing with Super Rugby’s NSW Waratahs, Tupou said: “I will take that but I know I have to really improve on my game if I want to try and get to where he was.

“I have gained more confidence in first grade this year … to just try and get as involved as possible and to get those metres.

“(Coach) Trent (Robinson) asked me to work on my size, to get stronger and improve under the high ball and I think I am doing that.

“At the start of the year, I just wanted to improve on my game and get a spot and I have done that so far. So I guess hard work does pay off.”

On Monday, Tupou comes up against another of the NRL’s most exciting young wingers in Manly’s Jorge Taufua.

“With guys like Jamie Lyon and Jorge Taufua, they are a real handful out wide. We know that and we have been working really hard on our defence all week to get it right,” Tupou said.