James O'Connor says he has Robbie deans' backing as a No. 10 © Getty Images

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James O'Connor has dismissed suggestions from some pundits, including Tim Horan and Stirling Mortlock, that he isn't the man to fill the five-eighth role for the Wallabies in the June series against the British & Irish Lions.

"I've played 10 in that ball-playing role since I started playing rugby, even back to my rugby league days," O'Connor said. "It's sort of second nature to where I feel most comfortable."

O'Connor said that five-eighth was one of the positions Wallabies coach Robbie Deans had spoken to him about. "My conversations with Robbie is he likes me in that 10 position and also on the wing," O'Connor said. "I feel very comfortable in both those positions.'

O'Connor, meanwhile, said suspended team-mate, friend and potential rival for the Wallabies five-eighth position Kurtley Beale was in a good head space.

Beale has been living with his family in Sydney and having counselling and training after being stood down following an alcohol-fuelled altercation with team-mates in South Africa three weeks ago.

O'Connor said he wasn't sure when Beale would resume playing, but he had kept in regular contact with his team-mate.

"I've been speaking to Kurtley a fair bit, he's in a good head space," O'Connor said in Sydney. "He's training very hard. From all accounts he's looking pretty fit. "He said he's going to give me a run for my money in my skin folds."

Rebels coach Damien Hill had previously forecast that he might recall Beale to his side, after their last-ditch loss to the Southern Kings.

Hill is hopeful Beale will be available for selection as the side attempts to regroup after its shattering 30-27 loss, which came from a Demetri Catrakilis drop goal after the siren. Their next challenge, which follows a bye weekend, is against the heavyweight Crusaders at the Christchurch fortress.

Hill said he had a good chat to Beale on Friday. "It's not really for me to say where that's at but things are looking very positive there and it was really good to talk to him. He's exceptionally keen to get back and play with the guys."

The Australian Rugby Union has taken over management of Beale, sourcing his external counselling and overseeing his fitness program. Beale needs his counsellors to okay his return.