If you told Warriors rookie James Bell at the beginning of the year that he would make both his NRL debut and be selected to represent Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup, he wouldn't have believed it.
Ten months later the second-row forward has achieved both – taking the field during the Warriors' clash with the Sharks in July, and now being named one of seven uncapped players to Scotland's 24-man World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old qualifies for the Bravehearts through his father's father. It was a casual chat with a friend which first led him to inquire about his eligibility, and now he can't wait to wear the thistle for his grandfather.
"It was at the beginning of the year and when I found out the World Cup was coming up my friend Jordan started a conversation with me about the World Cup and my heritage, and I told him my Pop is full Scottish," said Bell.
"I never took the conversation seriously, but it was always in the back of my mind ever since I was a young fella to represent Scotland…I just thought that is too far away and I'd focus on playing the Warriors first.
"My pop passed away a few years ago now. I think that is why the family is more emotional about it because they know how proud he would have been."
Bell said he has never been to Scotland, but would love the opportunity to visit the country and learn more about his family and the culture.
One thing he is still learning is the Flower of Scotland, the nation's unofficial anthem.
"I'm learning more as time goes on heading towards the World Cup. My family has been teaching me a lot especially the national anthem, trying to make sure I get that down.
"My dad knows a bit about his heritage. I remember telling him I made the team, I went over to his house and he was blasting the Flower of Scotland, the bagpipes so it was all going down at his house."
Scotland have been drawn in pool B alongside Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand for the tournament.
The Bravehearts faced the Kiwis in last year's Four Nations and came away with an 18-18 draw, a result which captain Danny Brough described as "proudest moment of my Scottish career."
Only 10 players who featured in that match will feature at this year's World Cup.
Bell admitted being from New Zealand it will be weird to face the haka if he is selected to feature in the anticipated rematch, but knows Scotland will be ready as they look for a famous win.
"I'm sure it is going to be intense and watching the haka and being on the other side of it, but I'm looking forward to it.
"When [the Kiwis] drew with Scotland last year, me and my family were in the lounge and we didn't know who to support…we didn't care who won. But now I know my family will be backing Scotland this time around."
"We have something to prove. I'm sure we will make a statement to show that it wasn't a fluke so I'm pretty sure we will go with that same mentality to try beat the Kiwis this time."
Bell will fly out to Brisbane tomorrow to meet up with the team who are en-route to Australia for a training camp, along with a warm-up match against a Country under-23s side.
It will be the first time the Warriors forward has met the players but is excited to meet them and learn what tricks Steve McCormack has up his sleeve.
"I don’t know any of them personally, but I have heard a lot of them and now I'm looking forward to meeting with them.
"I'm nervous and I'm hoping they accept me. I'm sure by the end of it we will be tight as, well that is what I hope."
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