TEZ Nueto is aiming to make his mark on the world stage after being called into the Thailand rugby league team for their upcoming international against Malta.

The 21-year-old is already well-know in both codes in this area, where he can be seen starring for Barrow Island in the summer and Furness Rugby Union in the winter.

Whether it be league or union, rugby has long been a big part of Nueto's life since he moved to this country with his family from Thailand at the age of five.

And now, thanks to a connection made through Workington Town winger and fellow Thai international Theerapol Ritson, he has the chance to represent the land of his birth next month when they take on the Knights in Chiang Mai on October 29.

“I used to play for Cumbria and I got to know Theerapol Ritson through that, and his dad put me in touch with the Thailand Rugby League chairman,” said Nueto.

“He then rang me and asked whether I was born in Thailand and about my rugby, and I sent him some pictures and videos of me. We've been speaking since about April and then they told me I was going to be part of the squad.

“My mum always likes me to remember where I came from and it's a great honour to be able to represent Thailand.”

Nueto and Ritson form an unlikely Cumbrian connection between rugby league's birthplace and one of the sport's newest nations, and they will be joined by another British-based player in Chris Twigg, of Warrington amateur side Woolston Rovers, when they head out to link up with the rest of the squad on October 18.

For his part, Nueto is excited about the opportunity to not only play on the international stage, but also to glean what he can from the rest of the squad to help his development as a player.

“There are a lot of guys from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in the squad,” said Nueto.

“I'm looking forward to getting to know them, and trying to pick up a few things from them and learn about playing different styles of rugby.

“After this, I'm going to be able to call myself an international player and that is going open up a lot of doors for me.”

Rugby league in Thailand is still very much in the early stages of development and the clash against Malta, where the sport has been established for over 12 years now, represents a stern test for the national side.

But Nueto is not daunted by the prospect of coming up against players who are well-versed in the rigours of international rugby league, and hopes to make his family both here and in Thailand proud by becoming a regular in the team.

“Malta are ranked 18th in the world and we're still unranked, but rugby league is growing in Thailand and everyone is getting involved with it,” said Nueto.

“I've got cousins in Thailand and I want to be an inspiration. I want to show them that even though I'm living all the way over in England, I can still achieve something special and make them proud of me.”