Prepared ... Leeds Rhinos are ready to tackle Melbourne Storm in the WCC. Source: Anna Gowthorpe / AAP
Little-known Australian Joe Vickery is hoping to make a name for himself by helping Leeds topple NRL champions Melbourne Storm in the 2013 World Club Challenge.
The 23-year-old utility back has recovered from ankle ligament damage in half the time expected and was on Wednesday included in the Rhinos' 19-man squad for Friday's match.
"I couldn't be happier," Vickery said in a break from training at Leeds' training base in Kirkstall.
Vickery, who earned himself a 12-month contract after impressing in close-season trials, made his first-grade debut as a replacement for winger Ben Jones-Bishop in Leeds' opening Super League match against Hull three weeks ago.
But he limped off injured before half-time and was told he would be facing a six-week spell on the sidelines.
"It was quite disheartening but now it's turned around," he said. "Rich Hunwicks (assistant conditioner) put me through a really good program and got me back quick."
Vickery gets his chance following the loss of fullback Zak Hardaker with a broken thumb, although he has yet to discover his role in Friday's game, with centre Kallum Watkins also a possibility for the number one shirt.
"I know I'm in the squad, I haven't been told my role yet but I'll play wherever I'm told to play," Vickery said. "I don't really care, even if it's prop I'll put my hand up.
"For most of my career I've been on the wing but I've played a fair few of my games at fullback."
Vickery, who was born in Exeter but raised in Australia, spent three years trying to break into the NRL but never got past reserve-grade level and that prompted him to try his luck in England.
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