Queensland Reds playmaker Harry McLaughlin Phillips has been called into the Australia U20 squad ahead of Sunday's clash with New Zealand.
The 20-year-old has made six appearances with two starts in Super Rugby Pacific this season and was most recently an unused substitute in the Reds' 33-28 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Catch all the action from TRC U20 LIVE and exclusive on Stan Sport. Now, McLaughlin-Phillips will get the chance to impress in green and gold - and familiar surrounds - at the inaugural TRC U20.
"I only found out I was coming up yesterday arvo," McLaughlin-Phillips told rugby.com.au.
"There was a bit of communication between Les (Kiss) and Greysie (Nathan Grey) after the game against the Crusaders. I was kept in the loop and headed up Monday.
"It's great to be back with the boys, nice to do it up here at home. The family were there last week, they'll be there tonight watching and supporting along.
"There's a few of us from school (Brisbane Boys College) here as well, Toby (Macpherson), Lington (Ieli), Xavier (Rubens) so there's a bit of a crew."
Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss said linking up the Australia U20s was part of the "whole development experience" for McLaughlin-Phillips.
"He's started for the Reds, he's come off the bench, he's played club rugby and now he has the chance to put that experience into the U20s," Kiss said.
"I've been in constant conversations with (Australian U20s coach) Nathan Grey, who has been very supportive of his development.
"Obviously, playing at the highest level is what Harry wants to do but he also sees the value of playing in this Under-20s comp, as I do."
McLaughlin-Phillips was a breakout star in Australia's 2023 U20 World Championship in South Africa last year, scoring nine points off the tee against New Zealand in their fifth-place semi final clash before spearheading a 57-33 win over Wales from fullback.
The Sunshine Coast product won't line up against South Africa in tonight's clash (7pm AEST) but frames a trump card for coach Nathan Grey to deploy alongside playmakers Cullen Gray and Joey Fowler in their final TRC U20 game against New Zealand.
"Definitely good memories against NZ, always good to get one over them," McLaughlin-Phillips said.
"We won two from three against them last year so hoping to make it three from four this time around."
McLaughlin-Phillips' clubmate Dom Thygesen has also joined the Australia U20 squad from Souths Magpies as lock cover.
Both trained with the non-23 group on Tuesday morning and will be available for selection against New Zealand.
Grey has made 10 changes to Australia's starting XV with Dane Sawers, Ollie McCrea, Frankie Goldsbrough, Kauri Tipene-Grace, Lington Ieli and Divad Palu all set to make their first appearance of the tournament.
