WITH his wife celebrating enough for the pair of them, Joe Westerman put the phone down on England coach Steve McNamara with the broadest grin on his face.
It had been news he'd hoped for but not expected to hear. Selected for the squad to take on Samoa, Australia and New Zealand in the Four Nations tournament Down Under, Westerman's seasonal goal had been achieved.
The 24-year-old had made no secret of his desire throughout a difficult Hull FC campaign to secure international selection for McNamara's squad.
It was the first box ticked, but while an England squad call-up has been a goal for 2014, the ultimate dream – since his teenage days playing alongside his friends at Featherstone Lions – has always been a start for the national team.
Less than 24 hours away from that dream becoming reality at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Westerman admits a surreal week is about to become even more so.
"It's been emotional, just as it was just getting involved in the first place," Westerman told the Mail.
"I'm looking forward to how it will feel in that stadium and however many thousands will be there. I can see it being very emotional before kick-off.
"It'll be a good day and I'll be very proud to pull that England shirt on. Leading up to this, I said I was over the moon being in the squad and the next step was getting a game and playing a bit.
"So, to be picked as starting loose forward really is a dream come true. Now I've got to go out there and make the most of it."
Taking his unexpected chance is now the next priority. Selected in place of injured captain Sean O'Loughlin, the towering presence of the inspirational Wigan man will keep Westerman sharp.
O'Loughlin is expected to be fit to play Australia next week and if so will certainly regain his place at loose forward. But with an ability to play across the back-row, Westerman knows keeping his place is a possibility if he can produce a performance of note.
"At the end of the day that's all I can do," admitted Westerman.
"It is going to be a big game this week as it is. Sean is one of the best loose forward's in the world, we all know that. If I play well, do all I can, then it's down to Steve depending on the squad he wants to pick.
"If I'm in there, I'm in there. If not, I'll have to work hard in training and try get into the next one."
From sharing a room with Super League's best loose forward in O'Loughlin, to being presented with his shirt by the world's best forward in Sam Burgess this week, Westerman has had no shortage of stars to tap into their knowledge.
"It was a big honour to receive it off Sam," said Westerman of his meeting with Burgess.
"Growing up I played against him and was in the national England squad before with him. He's always been someone I've admired.
"He's always been an awesome player but to do what he did in the Grand Final and all the way through his career is amazing. It was a real proud moment for me.
"He gave a lot of advice. It was a bit emotional for him too. I think he wishes he was out there playing for us. He gave me a few words and I'll take that out there."
