Josh Jackson said playing for Australia has been something he has “always dreamed about” and it would be a proud moment for him and his family.
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The Gulgong junior was selected in Tim Sheens’ 24-man Kangaroos squad to play in the Four Nations tournament, which begins on Saturday when Australia meets New Zealand at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Jackson is one of 11 rookies in the Australia side, making it the most inexperienced Kangaroos’ team in recent years.
"Running out in the green and gold before the game, pulling on the jersey will be something I’ve always dreamed about."
- Gulgong's Josh Jackson
He said he was excited and surprised when he had received the phone call informing him of his selection.
“Definitely a very proud moment. Very excited to be part of the squad and looking forward to it,” the Bulldogs second-rower said.
“I guess when you are growing up every kid dreams at playing at the top level and for me, this is the top level to pull on the green and gold. Like I said, I am very proud and honoured to be part of it.
“Running out in the green and gold before the game, pulling on the jersey will be something I’ve always dreamed about.
“It will be a very proud moment for me personally and for my family as well.”
Even if he doesn’t get to play, the 23-year-old is lapping up the attention.
“I am just very happy to be here and if I don’t play at all, it will be a great experience for me personally and I’m sure I will learn a great deal from it.”
For someone who has only played 65 NRL matches, Jackson has quickly made his mark on the game.
Since making his first grade debut in June 2012, he has played in two grand finals, represented Country Origin twice and was 18th man for NSW in game one of this year’s State of Origin series.
“When I first started out all I wanted to do was play my first game of first grade and once I did that, you go through your career and I have been pretty fortunate,” he said.
“I’ve played in two grand finals in the last three years and this [Kangaroos selection] is just the icing on top of that.
“I can’t say it [Kangaroos selection] was too much [on my mind]. Playing week in and week out, you are concentrating on the games that are ahead. Obviously towards the end of the season there was a little bit of talk about it.
“After we finished the grand final, it was something I would’ve loved to have been involved in and when I got the call the other day I was very excited. Very excited and surprised at the same time.”
AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Daniel Tupou, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Greg Bird. Interchange: 14. Robbie Farah, 15. Aidan Guerra, 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Corey Parker, 18. Boyd Cordner, 19. David Klemmer, 20. Sione Mata’utia.
