A Wallaroos debut might just be the best birthday gift Allana Sikimeti ever receives.
The Brumbies prop was left in tears of joy after hearing the news from Jo Yapp on July 2 - Sikimeti's 20th birthday - and admits a getting a national call-up against will be hard to top on the presents list.
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"Yeah definitely, there were tears all day," Sikimeti told media on Thursday.
"That was probably the best news I could've ever got for my birthday - so that's definitely number one.
"My parents are in Brisbane so they weren't here but I gave them that phone call and they just broke out in tears, they were really proud of me."
Sikimeti's story is one of many heart-warmers in the Wallaroos' matchday 23 to face Fijiana.
Originally hailing from Brisbane, the young prop toiled through Queensland's pathway without reward before taking a lifeline from Brumbies coach Scott Fava in the nation's capital.
Sikimeti went on to debut for ACT in Round 1 of this year's Super Rugby Women's competition, finishing the season with two starts from six appearances while tackling a new career in aged care outside of rugby.
Now, she's set to complete a meteoric rise after being named on the bench as one of four matchday props to face Fijiana alongside Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani and Bride O'Gorman.
"I'm very nervous, just really excited to pull on the jersey and get out on the field," Sikimeti said.
"It's a big honour to put on the jersey and represent my country, just all the sacrifices I've had to make to do that and now everything's paid off.
"I definitely look up to my fellow props like Eva and Bri - they steer me in the right pathways so I'm excited to take the field with them."
