Elijah Taylor is "humbled" to be back in the Kiwis side after a late call-up to David Kidwell's squad, who will take on Scotland in their Rugby League World Cup pool match in Christchurch on Saturday.
The West Tigers utility last played for the Kiwis in 2013 and was more than happy to postpone a holiday when he received Kidwell's SOS.
"We were planning a holiday, but I was fortunate enough to get the late call up - I put my hand up to be in the squad," Taylor said on Thursday.
"Now I'm in the camp, it feels like I haven't been away at all. But when you're not in it, it feels so long, and you miss that environment."
Taylor, who will play in an unorthodox hooking role against the Scots, said the positional change would force him to take a fresh approach to the Test.
"You have to play a lot different when playing on the spine, compared to playing on the edge. Playing on spine, you're working with everybody, it's a really important position," Taylor said.
"Just keep it real simple, get the feel for it."
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is no stranger to the No.9 jumper.
He played hooker in his under-20s career and has filled in where required during NRL stints with the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers.
Taylor, along with his Kiwis teammates, conducted an open training session with Canterbury club side Hornby Panthers on Tuesday.
They also got a chance to meet Cantabrian league fans, who haven't hosted the Kiwis in the Garden City for 11 years.
"League is slowly growing here and, bringing a World Cup game here to Christchurch, I'm sure it means a lot," Taylor said.
