HE'S had to fly to the other side of the world for the opportunity to play in a grand final, but Tom Wilmore is 80 minutes for achieving the goal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With plenty of rugby experience under his belt, Wilmore has never played in a decider simply because the English rugby doesn't have many.
Using a promotion and relegation back home, the finals series has been a new experience for the 22-year-old.
It's not one he wants to end just yet, with Albury taking on Waratahs for a place in the grand final.
With plenty of fresh faces in the team, Wilmore says the team is clicking at the right time.
He hadn't arrived in time for the first game against Waratahs, but despite suffering a 40-15 loss in the last clash Wilmore believes the Steamers are travelling better than they were six weeks ago.
"They put a few points on us, but I think we are hitting the right stride now," he said.
"We had a good go against Griffith and we played pretty well up there, still lost the game, but obviously against CSU everything clicked and we are looking forward to a big game on Saturday."
Wilmore didn't much the trip to Australia alone, joining the Steamers alongside Englishmen Brandon Lewsey and brothers Arran and Kell MacDougall.
The 22-year-old played with Lewsey at Luton, but had never met the MacDougalls before moving to Albury.
Five-eighth Richard Manion's previous rugby connections in England were the main reason the four made their way to the border city this season.
Coming to Albury as a halfback, Wilmore has found his place in the team at fullback.
It's not a complete re-adjustment, playing in the custodial role last year for Luton.
"I've always been a nine the majority of my life but in the second just gone back at home I played a lot of 15," he said.
"I came out here and played nine at little bit early in the season, but then injured my knee and slotted back in at fullback.
"I love playing at fullback so it doesn't bother me."
Wilmore hasn't decided on his future, coming to Australia on a one-year visa, but has been enjoying his time at Albury.
The Australian winter is definitely milder and he's found the style of play different too.
"It is a bit different - it's quite physical because of the leaguie influence over here," Wilmore said.
"We don't have a lot of rugby league in the south of England which is where I played, so it's a step us in physicality but it's not quite as quick as I thought it would be."