Danny Brough's decision to switch his allegiance from Scotland will finally bear fruit on Wednesday night when he runs out for England at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.
The Huddersfield scrum-half captained the Scots in the 2008 World Cup but has now set his sights on wearing the red, white and blue for 2013 and is hoping Wednesday night's origin international game with the Exiles can help him realise his dream.
Brough was in line to play in last year's inaugural clash with the Exiles until he was struck down by an ankle injury and he was left out of the team for this year's opening game after coach Steve McNamara opted to stick with his half-back pairing of Kevin Sinfield and Rangi Chase.
McNamara has rung the changes following his side's 18-10 win at Langtree Park and Brough is relishing the chance to make the step up to full international level.
"It's an environment I've never really been in," said the 29-year-old, who qualified for Scotland through his grandfather. "For a start it's not raining and it doesn't cost me to be here.
"For me to get this opportunity this late in my career is something I'm really looking forward to. The highlight of my career was winning the Challenge Cup final and this will probably sit second to that.
"It was a disappointment to miss out on the first game but, at the back of my mind, I thought he'd stick with the players he had the year before.
"There were three other lads who missed out with me so we pretty much gave each other a cuddle.
"We knew that we had to work hard and get prepared for this game because we knew we had a chance of being in."
After so many near-misses, Brough knows there will be pressure on him to perform in the face of stiff competition for the number seven jersey.
Warrington's Richie Myler got the scrum-half role in last year's Exiles clash while Brough is also facing competition from Jonny Lomax (St Helens), who was ruled out of contention for tonight's game with a rib injury, Leeds pair Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire and his new half-back partner Matty Smith (Salford).
"I think there will be a bit of pressure, people waiting for me to fail and things like that," Brough said.
"I've just got to concentrate on my game, get early kicks away and get rid of all the nerves. I'll be trying to build into the game and not try things I wouldn't normally try.
"I'll hopefully put a good performance in, get the nod for the end of the season and work my way into the squad for next year."
