Just 12 months ago, Averyl Mitchell was so far away from making a Wallaroos debut, she wasn't even playing rugby.
Well, rugby union at least.
Mitchell, a lifelong rugby fan had signed a contract to play rugby league with Wests in Brisbane before being encouraged by a friend to take part in trials for Queensland's Super W team.
After winning a place in the Queensland team and shining in her first Super W season, Mitchell will run out in the no.2 jersey today to make her Wallaroos debut, a realisation that is still sinking in for the 24-year-old.
"It's still really surreal, I'm still pinching myself a little bit," Mitchell said.
"It seems ridiculous. I would never have pictured it 12 months ago. It wasn't in my head space at all."
A former University of Queensland club member, Mitchell had switched to the Wests Panthers last year for a season of rugby league and paid tribute to coaches Craig Green and Ben Matthews who released her to Queensland with their blessing when she made the Super W squad.
"I was actually playing club league and (one of the Queensland girls) convinced me to come down and trial," Mitchell said.
"Rugby is my love sport.
"I'm really grateful to Wests Panthers. I'd already signed and my coaches there, Craig Green and Ben Matthews said: 'Mate, you've got to go', so I'm so grateful to them."
A graphic designer, Mitchell works part-time for the Queensland Rugby Union and loves everything about the game.
"It's a thing that sometimes doesn't make a huge amount of sense but I just love it so much," she said.
Just soaking up the experience of playing Super W and concentrating on becoming the best player she could be paid dividends for Mitchell, who said thoughts of a Wallaroos jersey had not entered her head.
"That was probably one of the most important things about getting here for me was focussing less on the result and just trying to work on the process and work on myself," she said.
"And that's been massive in being here - just building those skills and taking it day by day.
"This is all unbelievable and when you look at the big picture, I just can't believe it, I'm so lucky."
Even after being named in the Wallaroos training squad, Mitchell barely dared dream of earning a Test jersey.
"Obviously just being here in camp you're hopeful but you expect nothing and it's just a privilege to be here at all," she said.
"To actually pull on a jersey and play, I can't believe it a little bit and I'm so excited and proud."
Mitchell faces a tough assignment today, taking on not only Japan but the elements in Newcastle with a windy day expected.
As hooker, Mitchell is charged with throwing into the lineout - a test of skill and nerve with the westerly howling at Newcastle's No.2 Sportsground.
But she is backing herself.
"Certainly it's a consideration but it's been good to practice out here (before the game)," she said.
"The ball is usually heavy enough that you can throw but I'll probably keep it down a little bit, not too many massive 15m lobs."
Any errors will be pounced on by a Japanese side ready to capitalise on loose ball.
"They're so disciplined," Mitchell said.
"I've got a huge amount of respect for the Japanese. Their work at the breakdown can't be underestimated either because their ball position is so good, their skill and technique.
"We're going in with the strongest team possible and pulling no punches, we certainly aren't complacent about it."
The Wallaroos take on Japan at Newcastle’s No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday July 13, kicking off at 3pm AEST before a North Sydney Oval Test on Friday July 19 kicking off at 7pm AEST, both LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
