Newcastle-based Anne Finneran was the reason the Raymond Terrace and Kurri Kurri junior could be selected in Scotland’s World Cup squad and she was simply delighted the 20-year-old would feature on the international rugby league stage.

“All the family was pretty happy, but especially Nan because she has all the Scottish in her,” Anderson said.

“We never thought this would happen and when I rang her she was stoked. She cried when I saw her the other day.”

Anderson, who has just finished the third year of his contract at the Sydney Roosters, flew to Ballina on Tuesday to join the Bravehearts.

The former Hunter Sports High School student has been named in the centres, alongside Lachlan Stein from the Penrith Panthers, for Friday night’s trial against NSW Country under 23s. 

Anderson will line up opposite a few familiar faces, including South Newcastle’s Luke Higgins and Maitland’s Lincoln Smith, following country’s 40-26 loss to Samoa in Wagga Wagga last week.

“I’ve got a couple of mates that play in that team and they went alright against Samoa,” he said.

“I don’t mind where I play [for Scotland]. I’ll just see where they put me and adapt to that. I’ve played a bit of everywhere and I’ll just be happy to get on the field.”

Anderson, who won the NYC premiership last year, was “shocked” to get the recent Scottish call up. 

“One day my manager rang me up and asked ‘how would you like to play for Scotland at the World Cup?’,” Anderson said. “I definitely didn’t turn it down.”

Scotland have been drawn against Tonga (October 29) and Samoa (November 11) in Cairns as well as New Zealand (November 4) in Christchurch.

Meanwhile, country starting prop Roman Fepulea’I will switch to Lakes in 2018 after at least four seasons with South Newcastle.