JOE Westerman's stand-out season in a struggling Hull FC side underlines his undoubted quality, according to England head coach Steve McNamara.
Westerman is one of four debutants in McNamara's side which begins the Four Nations on Saturday morning against Samoa, with Hull-born hooker Josh Hodgson also in the starting line-up.
An injury to captain Sean O'Loughlin has opened the door for Westerman to make his mark at loose forward in the Brisbane Test, while Hodgson has won the battle with recently crowned Man of Steel Daryl Clark for the starting hooking role.
Admitting it is a blow to lose a player of O'Loughlin's qualities, McNamara says he has a great replacement in Westerman, a player he has full confidence in.
"Losing Sean is a blow because he is our captain, our leader and he's a really good player too. But I am really happy with the replacement in Joe Westerman," explained McNamara.
"Joe has had a great season for Hull FC and has been a real stand-out man in a team that didn't make the top eight. For Joe to stand out in the way he did shows what a quality player he is."
With O'Loughlin set to be fit for England's second game against Australia in Melbourne on November 2, Westerman knows this is his one chance to stake a claim to stay in the 17 throughout the tournament.
Handed the loose forward role in which he excelled in at Hull in 2014, the 24-year-old will finally get his chance on the international scene.
As will Hodgson, who has been entrusted with the hooking role alongside the towering presence of George Burgess and James Graham in the front row.
Set to ply his trade in Australia next year with Canberra Raiders, the Australian public will get a first glimpse of the 24-year-old.
No doubt encouraged by McNamara's faith in him, the England coach says it is Hodgson's tenacity which saw him win the shirt ahead of the player voted the best in Super League this year.
"Daryl has had a tremendous season and is the Man of Steel, voted the best player in the competition, so there's no doubting his ability," added McNamara.
"Josh is a tough, tenacious player who again has come from a team outside the top eight and has shown his real battling ability.
"I just felt for this game Josh's robust start will help us, while Daryl's speed when the sting goes out of the game will be crucial for us."
Hodgson, Westerman and Clark are joined by Wigan's Matty Smith as debutants in a new-look England side, which will be favourites to start the tournament with a win.
Gareth Widdop will feature alongside Smith in a new half-back pairing, while Joel Tomkins returns to the international scene to play alongside brother Sam once again.
"I think the four (debutants) are ready. They've been in great form in Super League and are four very exciting young players," added McNamara.
"It's a challenge getting the players ready, with only nine days from landing to the first game. Ideally, we'd have liked to have tested them in a game situation, but I am really confident."
England 17-man squad to play Samoa: Sam Tomkins, Josh Charnley, Kallum Watkins, Michael Shenton, Ryan Hall, Gareth Widdop, Matty Smith, George Burgess, Josh Hodgson, James Graham, Liam Farrell, Joel Tomkins, Joe Westerman, Daryl Clark, Brett Ferres, Tom Burgess, Chris Hill.
