Manly rookie Gordon Chan Kum Tong says his family motto will be in his heart when he debuts for Samoa at hooker against Australia in the Pacific Cup on Saturday.
The 21-year-old pocket rocket's family motto is "to doubt not and to fear not'', and it guides all his actions on the footy field and in life.
"For me that just means that I never doubt myself. I will leave everything out there on the field and I will fear nobody," Chan Kum Tong told AAP ahead of the clash in Townsville.
"I am small in structure. I weigh 93 kilos and I'm not tall. I fear none, bar one (God).
"I played in Samoan teams when I was younger on Harmony Day, when we’d play other countries.
"I’ve never played a Test before, so to finally be here is a dream come true.
“It is unreal to be in camp with Penrith guys like Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu. They are big names who know how to win footy games. I am keen to learn from them."
Chan Kum Tong is highly rated by his Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who will be the starting half for Australia.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said telling Chan Kum Tong on the phone that he was in the squad was a thrill.
"He was in tears. I couldn't see him, but I could feel he was jumping for joy," Gardiner told AAP.
"For him to be able to represent Samoa in his first year of first grade, and to tell his mum and dad, as a coach they are the moments you want to have.
"Gordon is a very good player and when young players like him come into the Test match arena they grow another leg, and the passion does that for them.
"We want Gordon to be able to do that while representing his country."
Chan Kum Tong, who said he can also play in the halves, has come through the Manly system and is contracted until the end of 2024.
He impressed in his two NRL games this year and wants to stay at the club.
“I’ve been with Manly all the way through. I live out west at Liverpool, so I travel a fair bit to go to Manly each morning," Chan Kum Tong said.
"I have been a part of the Manly club since I was young, and fortunate to captain some of those (junior) sides. To finally debut in the Manly colours means a lot.
“It is my final year next year, but Manly is home and I’d love to stay.
"That will be up to my manager Mario (Tartak), but Manly have given me all my opportunities since I was young.
“(Starting hooker) Lachlan Croker has been massive for me this year. He teaches me to be the best version of myself and to enjoy footy.
"In the pre-season he helped me with my passing game and my deception at nine. I idolise him."
