Peterson is one of 12 Hunter players, including eight from the Wildfires, in the Country origin squad that will be led by Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton.

The squad has a training camp on Saturday, before opening their Chikarovski Cup campaign against Sydney Blue on Sunday at Forshaw Rugby Park.

Peterson, 21, had only played sevens until last season and didn't expect to be lining up alongside Hamilton and other Wallaroos against the best women's players in NSW.

"It's insane," she said. "When I got the phone call last week, I thought it was going to be 'sorry you haven't made it'. It was definitely a big surprise. I think I will spend the whole time fangirling.

"It is such a great opportunity and learning experience. Even if I don't get much game time, it will be a great experience to be at that level. I will definitely be asking for pointers and get as much out of it as I can."

Peterson was one of the many positives to emerge from the Wildfires' inclusion this year in the Jack Scott Cup, where they finished sixth before beating Campbelltown in the division two grand final. She is joined in the Country squad by Sophie Clancy, Candice Clay, Sian Filipo, Kate Holland, Peter Salter, Maryann Utai and Ash Walker.

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Katrina Barker (Warringah), Leilani Nathan (Easts) and Randwick duo Layne Morgan and Maya Stewart complete the Hunter contingent. Stewart (knee) will miss Sunday's match but should be right to take on Canberra and Sydney Gold in Bathurst next weekend.

"This is another step up," Peterson said. "I'm super stoked and want to give it a crack."

Peterson went to Hunter Sports High School where she was in the netball program before switching to rugby sevens in year 11.

"I didn't take rugby seriously in high school," said Peterson who represented NSW CHS in netball. "Netball was my serious sport."

A goal shooter, Peterson played both sports until this year.

"I made the switch this year to playing rugby full-time - no netball at all," Peterson said. "Honestly it was the people and the culture with rugby. I love it. I want to see where I can go with it. If something like Super W was a possibility, that would be sick."