Brad Takairangi is looking to make the most of his opportunity in the Kiwis squad at this year's Rugby League World Cup.
The 28-year-old was one of five uncapped players named by David Kidwell's 24-man squad for the tournament and is hoping after years of waiting patiently, he can finally run out onto the field in the black jersey.
If the Parramatta Eels centre does make his debut, it will be a long time in the making after been in Kiwis camp a number of times and selected to start in the 2016 ANZAC Test, but omitted an hour before kickoff.
The former Roosters and Titans back is hoping that 2017 will be the year he can finally represent New Zealand.
"It's just huge for me, at the start of the year it was a goal of mine to be in the World Cup squad and now that I'm here, I want to make every day count," said Takairangi.
"Whether I can help the boys on the field or off the field that's what I'm here for and I'm really, really excited.
"I got a sniff of it last year at the Anzac Test, just being in the camp it was a real eye-opener and something that made me want to be here even more.
"Now that I'm here, I'm looking forward to doing a good job and representing this black jumper."
2017 was break-out season for the Eels starlet, playing a key role in his clubs' run to the playoffs, playing 23 games as the Sydney club finished fourth.
That fine form resulted in a national call up.
"I think it was my most consistent year so far, we had a really good year at the Eels and it was a shame to go out in two losses in a row in the semis, but we'll be better for it and we'll come back better next year."
It hasn't been easy for Australian born Takairangi who was told by current Raiders coach Ricky Stuart that he would never make it past being an average first-grade player.
But that harsh assessment by one of the most respected coaches in the game motivated Takairangi to work on his game and get him to where he is now.
"Think I was 16 when he said that.
"It was just something that drove me early in my career but we've moved on from that, you get on with the coaches, or you don't get on with some coach so that's all part of the game and that's all good."
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