One of the biggest takeaways from Australia's comfortable 54-12 win over Scotland in the Four Nations opener was the performances of their debutants.
While fullback Matt Moylan stole the show with a man-of-the-match effort that saw him set up four tries in the first half alone, fellow rookie Jake Trbojevic also shone in his international debut against the Bravehearts.
The Sea Eagles lock forward was drafted into the Australian side on the eve of the trans-Tasman Test as cover for the injured Josh Papalii and wasn't sure whether he would get any game time in the UK.
But with several stars rested for the Scotland game, Trbojevic and the other new faces showed they can handle the step up to the international stage should Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga decide to select them later in the tournament.
The 22-year-old Mona Vale Raiders junior ran for 136 metres and made 22 tackles on Saturday morning (AEST), but isn't worried about whether he has done enough to retain his spot in the side for next week's showdown with the Kiwis.
Instead, he is more focussed on learning as much as possible from the veteran players around him.
"I haven't thought too much about that. I'm just happy to get the opportunity tonight. I'll keep training the best I can and see what happens from there," Trbojevic said after the game.
"There are some world-class players here and it's been really cool. They've all been really welcoming so you sort of fit straight in. It's been awesome, and there have been some really good times so I'm looking forward to the next few weeks."
It was a special night for Trbojevic as his parents John and Melissa made the trip over to the UK to watch their son become the first Mona Vale junior to play for the Kangaroos.
"They wouldn't have missed it for the world," Trbojevic said.
"They were straight over here when they found out I was going to play. They were pretty proud and very happy to come over so it was a cool moment.
"Obviously it's pretty surreal to get to play for the Kangaroos. It's a great moment for me and my family and it's something I'll never forget."
Trbojevic capped off a stellar night with a try from the final play of the game, finishing off some brilliant work from Trent Merrin to celebrate his dream debut.
"I don't get too many tries so I'll take them as they come," he said.
"That was obviously awesome to get one there at the end. That was pretty cool and I'll remember that for a while.
"I was pretty proud. You've got to pinch yourself at times. To get to play for the Kangaroos is awesome, and as I say, I'll never forget it."
This article first appeared on NRL.com
