While it wasn't the debut he'd hoped for, NZ Kiwis utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was overcome with emotions, after representing his country of birth for the first time.
The 24-year-old was one of four debutants, as the Kiwis slumped to a 26-4 defeat to Australia in their Oceania Cup test in Wollongong on Friday night.
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While the result was disappointing, Nicoll-Klokstad's performance was one of the bright points, including a try, 112 run metres and six tackle breaks.
"It is so crazy and surreal," Nicoll-Klokstad told NRL.com, reflecting on his debut.
"It's every kid's dream to be here and to cross the white line in the same game is surreal.
"Pretty upset about the result, but we'll take the good with the bad."
While coach Miachel Maguire admitted some of the less-experienced players didn't adjust to test football the way he expected, he was impressed with Nicoll-Klokstad.
"We had a number of young guys come in and play, and unfortunately they didn't get what this jersey is all about at this present moment," Maguire said.
"We have high expectations in the jersey. [Nicoll-Klokstad] showed some really good form there in the centres, so he's going to grow in that space.
"He showed a lot of confidence there, so I was really pleased with how he played."
Nicoll-Klokstad's rise through the ranks has been one of the talking points during the 2019 season.
After struggling to crack the Warriors starting team, Nicoll-Klokstad was released by the Penrose-based side and signed with the Canberra Raiders, where he became the team's starting fullback.
Nicoll-Klokstad was a key member of the Raiders squad that reached their first final in 25 years.
He was expected to sit out the remainder of the year, but after Maguire invited him into the Kiwis squad, he couldn't resist the offer.
"It's a privilege and honour to be here," Nicoll-Klokstad added. "We missed our little one-percenters and couldn't get into the game.
"We put pressure on ourselves and the scoreline reflects that."
Join us next Saturday for live updates of the NZ Kiwis v Great Britain rugby league test.
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