There are not many 18th birthday presents that can match a Test call-up as fullback Caitlyn Halse looks to make the most of her opportunity.
The fullback was named in the Wallaroos side to face Wales on her birthday for her first appearance since the Pacific Four series.
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"She's been working really hard and with it her 18th birthday, it's really exciting," coach Jo Yapp said on Halse.
"She's done exceptionally well and it's easy to forget how old she is the fact she's only turning 18 today but I think that's what's so impressive with her is the way she's managing the whole thing.
"The girls rally around her. You can see that they're really supportive of her but she's also just really developed with her maturity around off the field with her travelling."
Halse has been taking in the lessons of Northern Hemisphere football as she improves her kicking game and mental clarity around moving on from past mistakes
Waratahs teammates Arabella McKenzie and Maya Stewart have taken Halse under their wing as the teenager looks to pick their brains about how to handle Test Rugby.
"I've just been leaning on them for help when I need it, they're really looking after me like an auntie or a cousin," Halse said.
"They've been really supportive and whilst they don't play my position, they're always looking out for me and someone I can go to if I need anything."
The pair affectionately refer to Halse as 'The Kid' given her age, with Halse up in the air on whether that nickname will stick now she's an adult.
"I'll start to get a new nickname eventually," Halse said and laughed.
Halse will link up with fellow teenager Faitala Moleka as the Brumby comes into the halves.
"'Tala' and I have known each other for a while. We played a couple of junior things with so we've worked some combinations together," she added.
"Tala is an amazing ten. I think she really takes on the line and she's got a good boot on her so hopefully we can work together in that backfield and run a muck."
