It's been nothing short of a whirlwind week for Paul Turner.
Initially preparing himself to feature in the Titans' first trial against the Broncos, he's now about to travel home and fulfil a livelong dream after getting the call-up to represent his Māori heritage in next Saturday's All Stars clash.
"It just happened so quick so I don't know what to say. I did not expect it at all," the 22-year-old told titans.com.au
"Since I was little, it's been one of my biggest goals to play for the New Zealand Māori All Stars.
"It's a big honour for me and my family as my mum and dad are both Māori, so it'll be a pretty proud moment for our family."
Heading into camp on Sunday before travelling across to New Zealand for their inaugural chance to host the annual event against the Indigenous All Stars, the talented utility is expecting a big crowd for the clash in Rotorua - a place he has a family connection to.
"I grew up in Whangarei, which is a small place in the North Island of New Zealand and my mum and dad are both from a small place south of Auckland called Tuakau. My dad is also from a place in Rotorua where the All Stars is being played called Ngati Pikiao," Turner said.
"It's going to be pretty big over there. Any NRL game or top footy game will be this year because they haven't had much rugby league played over there recently.
"I'm definitely expecting to play in front of a packed stadium."
Turner will be the only Titan to feature in the Māori All Stars lineup with Erin Clark ruling himself out of selection contention to fully focus on his preparation for the Titan season.
Despite not being there, the 2022 representative knows what the game will mean for his homeland with the previous four occasions being played in Australia.
"It'll be huge... I said it after playing in last year's game that taking it back to New Zealand will be massive for our country," Clark said.
"Just to welcome the Indigenous people of Australia back to New Zealand is special. They've looked after us over here so now it's turn to repay them and look after them back in our home.
"Also with COVID and the Warriors being based over here for so long, to take it back to Rotorua which is the heartland of New Zealand and to give the people a game like the All Stars is huge.
"They've missed a lot of footy so it'll be massive for New Zealand."
Kick-off is at 2.40pm AEST on Saturday, February 11 at Rotorua International Stadium.
