Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh believes he can improve as a player after making the Kangaroos squad for the Ashes

Walsh said the chance to represent Australia, on the first Ashes trip in 22 years, was a dream come true.

“Oh mate, to play for your country, I think it’s probably one of the biggest things you can do in the game,” he said. “I just gave my family and that a hug before I left and I saw how proud they were, how much it meant.

“To be able to do that [with] the world-class players in the team, I’m just grateful to be in camp and I can’t wait just to soak it up … It’s pretty crazy, it’s something I’m looking forward to. I’ve reflected on the history [of Ashes tours] and all that sort of stuff, so, it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Walsh has previously been coached by Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters and said the chance to reunite with the former Broncos mentor would be a trip highlight.

“It’s been good, I feel really good to be in camp, obviously meeting all the boys and stuff.

“I’m excited to see Kev, so should be a [good] one. Massive, just to play under Kev, I’m so excited. The biggest thing I was looking forward to is just getting around Kev and rubbing shoulders with him again. We’ve got a good relationship, so I’m really excited for what we’ve got going on. I can’t wait.”

Choosing a fullback will be just one of several welcome headaches for Walters. The halves spots will also be hotly contested, with Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Ethan Strange are all on the tour.

“I think it’s awesome,” Cleary said of the competition for spots. ” I’m really looking forward to rubbing shoulders with those guys and getting to learn off each other. I think ultimately it will make us all better.”

Dearden added: “If you look at Origin, it’s a team game, it wasn’t halfback against halfback or anything like that. When you come into this camp and everyone camps together, the main goal is to get over there and bring the Ashes back home.”

Dearden said he was looking forward to learning from Panthers playmaker Cleary.

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“He’s been one of the greatest players and achieved so much in the game,” Dearden said. “I watch a lot of his footy and what he does on the field. I’m excited to be able to learn as much as I can off him while I’m here.”

Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange has been identified as a star of the future, and is looking forward to the experience even if he doesn’t debut on tour.

“No, not really,” Strange said when asked if he felt he believed he was a Kangaroo. “I don’t have a lot of expectations with the four people who are in my position being the best in the world.

“I’ll fit in wherever I need to … I’m really looking forward to learning and being a sponge off them boys.”