Lindsay Collins was nearly moved to tears as he recalled the daily reminder of the legacy he carries when he goes into the meeting room at the Australian team's hotel.
The 26-year-old Sydney Roosters prop is expected to make his Kangaroos debut in the Rugby League World Cup on Friday (Saturday AEDT) when Australia face Scotland in Coventry.
Less than 12 months on from "learning to run again" after an ACL injury, Collins will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Lionel Williamson and play for the national team.
Williamson, a winger who featured in the 1968 and 1970 Kangaroos' World Cup triumphs alongside the likes of Eric Simms and Bob Fulton, has his name inscribed on a roll of honour at the team hotel.
"To see his name up there #429 ... it's hard to get an Australian jersey, and then you've got two in your family that have got it. That's pretty emotional," Collins said.
"It's pretty cool to see it when I come in every morning.
"I don't know if he's got my UK (phone) number. We'll see after the Scotland game, he'll probably give me a few pointers and tips on what I need to do better.
"He told me about all his war stories, (touring) was like a three-month boat ride in those days."
Collins will form part of a five-man contingent of debutants for the Kangaroos this week, with Nathan Cleary, Matt Burton, Isaah Yeo and Campbell Graham also expected to be handed their first caps against the Scots.
For Collins, in particular, it caps a whirlwind 18 months.
The Roosters forward has only played once since the start of August as a result of a hip-drop tackle suspension and a concussion.
His 2021 campaign was ended by an ACL injury and he said he was in limbo over whether Mal Meninga would select him in the Kangaroos squad.
"There's been a bit of adversity there," he said.
"I set out a few goals and this was the plan. So I'm happy, grateful and humbled to be here.
"I've got (a notebook of) pages and pages of the same goal every day.
"It's basically keeping yourself accountable every day.
"When you don't want to have an ice bath, or get in the sauna, or stretch ... It's a constant reminder that this is what you're working towards.
"It just builds up over time and creates good habits."
