NSW premier lays out Foley's first test

If Luke Foley becomes NSW Labor's next leader, his first test will be to back the government's infrastructure plan, Premier Mike Baird says.

"If he wants to prove himself to be his own man, not controlled by the union bosses, he can stand up and support this plan," Mr Baird said of his $20 billion infrastructure splurge.

"It's the first test for him."

The funds, earmarked for transport infrastructure, will be raised by selling 49 per cent of the state's electricity distribution network, or `poles and wires'.

Mr Foley, 44, is poised to become NSW Labor's newest leader after his competition - shadow treasurer Michael Daley and opposition police spokesman Steve Whan - withdrew from the race this week ahead of Monday's caucus ballot.

If successful, Mr Foley, who's an upper house MP, has indicated he will then push to become the ALP's candidate for the lower house seat of Auburn, currently held by Labor's Barbara Perry.