Lee Mossop is relishing the chance to play alongside childhood hero Jamie Peacock when England tackle the Exiles at Langtree Park on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Wigan forward is one of three new caps in the England team for the Origin Series opener and he admits it will be a dream come true when he comes off the bench to make his full international debut.
"It's the pinnacle to play for your country," said Mossop, who made two appearances for England Knights last autumn.
"When I first set off playing for Hensingham, my dream was to play for Wigan and, when you get to 15 or 16 you start watching your idols play.
"I've watched Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley for years now. Jamie's been a big idol of mine and to be training alongside him and picking stuff up off him is a massive honour."
Mossop will be one of eight Wigan players involved in Saturday's game, with three of his club-mates set to line up for the Exiles.
He reckons the England forwards will have their hands full coping with the blockbusting runs of overseas duo Jeff Lima and Epahalame Lauaki but he is thankful that Gareth Hock will be on his side.
The second rower will end a three-year international exile after completing a doping ban and earned a recall after producing the best form of his career.
"It will be a bit strange playing against them," said Mossop, in reference to Lima and Lauaki. "I know what to expect. During the week in training we'll be full on against each other so I know how hard that is.
"There are a few that I'm lucky enough to play alongside each week rather than against. Gaz Hock is one of those big bony creatures and you always get injured trying to tackle him.
"Gaz has been outstanding for us, week in week out and deserves to be here.
"He held his hands up. He made a mistake and paid his dues. He put in the hard work in pre-season and I would go as far as to say he's playing better now than before he got banned."
