Wallaroos flyhalf Waiaria Ellis is out to inspire the next generation of Western Sydney-bred talent as they play a rare Test in their backyard.
Ellis is embracing the build-up to Saturday's second Test against Scotland, with the squad based out in Parramatta.
The 19-year-old is one of several Western Sydney-bred talents in the squad, growing up in Riverstone, near Windsor.
This includes fellow playmaker Faitala Moleka and powerhouse prop Faliki Pohiva, all three from the Blacktown Scorpions.
Ellis will have strong family support in the stands at Accor Stadium, hoping they can be role models for the next generation.
"I take so much pride in it," she explained to Rugby.com.au from their Parramatta base.
"We're really proud of our community. We're really proud of where we come from and our community back there; they support us so much.
"We're just showing everyone that there is so much more talent out there as well. There's so many girls out west who have so much talent, but they just don't get looked into that much.
"There's just so much pride in knowing how much we're backed."
Ellis has grown into the flyhalf role outside Moleka as she's battled the titans of Women's Rugby.
It started in August's O'Reilly Cup match, going up against Ruahei Demant, before facing powerhouse England and France.
"I think just knowing that I was able to play against them, it really lifted my confidence because they're obviously the best in the world, and I was able to go out there, play my game and have fun," Ellis believes.
"It just really gave me lots of confidence, just knowing that I was supported, I was backed, and the team and the coaches had trusted me to go out there against those top teams, and believed in me."
Ellis praised Moleka's influence as the two young playmakers took control of the new-look Wallaroos attack, taking their chemistry from the grassroots to the world stage.
"Faitala's been such a massive help with me, both on and off the field," she said.
"Having her on the field, just her confidence in me as well, and also having her as another ball player, set of hands, knowing how much experience she has, and what she brings to the team, it just really helps me
"She definitely lifts my confidence in the way I play, and it's just really good working with her."
