Will Skelton revealed Samoa tried to recruit him to their World Cup preparations last year and he has also been courted by the Auckland Blues and All Blacks.

But instead of worrying about rival clubs and nations poaching the biggest weapon in Australian rugby, Cheika wants to change the mindset to focus on adding strength to the Wallabies program.

Will Skelton, 22, is 140 kilograms and 203 centimetres. Younger brother Cameron is bigger at 145 kilograms and 205 centimetres, but he has joined the Waikato Chiefs development program in New Zealand.

It would be double trouble for Super Rugby rivals with two of Australia's biggest professional sportsmen teaming up in the Waratahs' pack.

Cheika didn't know of Samoa's talks with Skelton until the monster second-rower revealed details to the media after training in London this week.

"They'd be mad if they didn't if they saw the opportunity to get someone of that talent," Cheika said.

"Will is very honest, very loyal and a really good lad. He's got a great attitude about him. Once he saw that the Waratahs were giving him an opportunity there was no way he was going anywhere else.

"His brother is with the Chiefs now. We will be targeting to get his brother back and not letting him play for New Zealand.

"We've got to change our mindset from worrying about losing things to concentrating on getting things, that's in general as well."

Skelton is in Europe for the first time and has been an impact player from the Wallabies' bench for their spring tour.

With James Horwill suffering a knee injury, Skelton's role has become more important than just trying to physically impose himself on opposition teams.

But Cameron is chasing a dream with the All Blacks after the Chiefs recruited him into their system this year.

The Waratahs had hoped to sign both brothers and form one of the most feared combinations in world rugby as they develop in the coming years.

It would undoubtedly be one of the biggest second-row partnerships in world rugby.

Will Skelton played in the Samoan under-20s team before training against the Waratahs and being drafted into the NSW Super Rugby squad.

He now looms as a World Cup battering ram for the Wallabies next year.

"I haven't looked ahead to the World Cup … if I work hard and prepare well for Super Rugby everything will fall into place," Skelton said.

"Last year I had a couple of talks with [Samoa manager Sami Leoti] but I was focused on the Waratahs and not international stuff."

Skelton tore the French team apart when he made his Wallabies debut in June, combining classy touch with brute power.

But he's had a mixed spring tour as he finds his feet in international rugby.

"You always want to be starting, but I'm happy to be on the bench and provide the impact for the boys because it's a squad mentality," Skelton said.

"It's been a massive year [with the Wallabies and Waratahs], but I'll put that off until the holidays and focus on playing for Australia.

"You've got to make sure you're mentally prepared, I find it harder on the bench than starting because you never know when you're on. You're always on edge."

Cheika has a development plan to build Skelton's stamina over the next 12 months, increasing Super Rugby game time and then transferring that to Test rugby.

"He's learning about the intensity of the step up," Cheika said.

"He got caught one week where he didn't get prepared well and it cost him. Apart from that I think he's been very good. He's learning and he knows it.

"The team has made mistakes in the past and we have to acknowledge that."

Skelton is backing Cheika's vision, attempting to mix a power game with finesse.

"He's the coach and makes all the big choices. I back that. He knows what I can provide for the team so if that means I don't get many minutes then I'm happy to put in the hard work," Skelton said.

"Part of my game is not just physical presence. I want to be, but if I can get an offload away or drag in players, that's perfect. I know a lot of people have expectations of how I play.

"Cheik knows how I play and what I bring to the team so I'll just stick to my guns."