League: Kiwi pair get pleasant 'shock'

Jake Webster made his NRL debut in 2003 and has played 31 games for the Storm. Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

Kiwis debutants Manu Vatuvei and Jake Webster are struggling to absorb their leap to international league after being named on the wings for the Tri-Nations test against the Kangaroos.

Although they had been warned when they joined a forwards-laden Kiwis camp that selection was likely, New Zealand Warrior Vatuvei and Webster, 21, a Melbourne-born specialist centre, were shocked to learn of their rapid elevation to the national side.

Dubbed the Jonah Lomu of New Zealand league, Vatuvei admitted his dream of playing for the Kiwis had come to fruition years ahead of schedule.

"There's a lot of talent out there. I never thought I'd make it so soon," said the 19-year-old, who began this year ranked behind seasoned Kiwis player Francis Meli at the Warriors.

Webster was expecting to play the opening match against the Junior Kangaroos for New Zealand 'A' on Saturday.

"The year is just getting better and better," he said.

Webster scored 10 tries in 24 appearances for the Storm in his first stint on the wing.

"My goal this year was to make double figures (appearances) in first grade so this is unbelievable."

- NZPA