Foley 50-50 to face the Highlanders

Bernard Foley is rated a 50-50 prospect of returning for the NSW Waratahs' round-four Super Rugby showdown with the reigning champion Highlanders next week.

Foley has been sidelined with a shoulder injury after copping a late tackle in a trial game against the Highlanders last month in Christchurch.

The Wallabies playmaker once again sat out team training with the Waratahs on Thursday but is running and doing his own fitness work.

"Bernard's slowly being introduced into team training," said Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.

"We're hopeful that he could be right for (next) Friday night.

"At the moment, I'd say he's probably 50-50 and so we'll just wait until the medicos give us the all clear."

With the Waratahs one win from two starts entering their first bye weekend, having Foley back calling the shots at Allianz Stadium in round four would be a huge boost.

Foley's inclusion would allow Kurtley Beale to slot back into the centres outside him, a combination that played a major role in the Tahs winning the title in 2014.