Kempsey born Allan 'Albo' Lockwood junior will line up for Lebanon in the most important match of his life at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday.
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The 19-year-old received the call up to the side and while Lockwood was unavailable as he's in camp preparing for the battle with Fiji, his proud father Allan Lockwood senior spoke to the Argus.
Senior claims his son is embracing the tremendous opportunity and is looking forward to taking the field on the biggest stage of his early rugby league career.
"It's a bit surreal for him at the moment," senior said.
"Allan is soaking it all up. He's training alongside NRL players Robbie Farah and Tim Mannah and learning how to conduct himself as a professional.
"Allan has dedicated the past few years to chasing his NRL dream and he understands this is a big opportunity for him to show everyone what he's capable of."
The Lebanon squad is full of young talent mixed in with experienced heads and senior said the older players have taken the youth under their wings.
"Allan has told me the NRL players are a good bunch of blokes and they are looking after the young guys, helping them prepare, feel comfortable and passing on important knowledge of the game," senior said.
Allan, who is a versatile back who can play fullback, centre and wing, is looking forward to representing his heritage.
"Allan's grandfather was born in Lebanon and Allan is very proud of representing him when he plays for Lebanon," senior said.
"Allan played for the Lebanon Under-18s side in 2017 and always embraced his heritage."
The Kempsey Dragons junior, who currently plays for the Burleigh Bears Under-20s, is a Dunghutti man and grew up in Kempsey before relocating as a teenager to pursue an NRL career.
"I think he was 16 when he moved to the Gold Coast and began going to Palm Beach Sports High. He put everything into rugby league as he has always wanted to play in the NRL," senior said.
Allan has been named to start at centre for Lebanon and will have his hands full lining up against either the St George Illawarra Dragons' rookie powerhouse Mikaele Ravalawa or the Cronulla Sharks' Isaac Lumelume.
The match will be televised on channel Nine at 5.40pm.
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