The Temora product was named 18^th man for Country, leading to a big change of plans, and has been part of the lead up to City-Country clash at Mudgee on Sunday.

The 21-year-old was surprised to get the call up, but has been loving every moment of the build up. 

“I used to always love watching this game so to be apart of it is pretty awesome to be honest,” Stimson said.

“Being part of the week is a good experience as there are some quality players here.

“It’s definitely the highest I’ve ever achieved.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Making it more special is the clash at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium will be the last City-Country clash.

He thought it was disappointing the concept was coming to an end.

“I think it means a lot more to the country people watching it and it is a shame it’s the last one,” Stimson said.

Craig Fitzgibbon is coaching the team this year and has taken a relaxed approached.

Stimson has been trying to soak up as much of the week as possible.

“It’s been pretty cruisy actually,” he said.

“We had a training run (on Wednesday) and went out to a gala day, like the Trent Barrett Shield sort of thing but the Orange version and signed a few autographs.”

Stimson has been surprised by how fast things are happening in his NRL career.

He made his debut for the Melbourne Storm in the round two clash against the Warriors and has played in five of the seven games since.

“2017 has treated me very well for a start,” Stimson said.

“I was just happy to debut, that was my main goal this year.”

Six games have been off the bench, but he did receive a late call up to start against the Warriors on Anzac Day two weeks ago after Kenny Bromwich’s partner went into labour.

He thought it was a quirky way for it to happen.

“To get a starting spot, and the way I got it was a bit different, Stimson said.

It was a bit funny in a way with Kenny having to have the kid.

“I got the chance to start pretty early on in my career, only my fifth game so it was pretty special.

“To get the 18^th man here I’ve really blown away about how much I’ve done.”

Now he’s focusing on playing well enough to keep his place in Craig Bellamy’s side.

“It’s very psychical, very fast and you are playing with the best of the best so you can’t really slack or anything like that, you can’t have any mircosleeps but I’m really enjoying my time up in first grade,” Stimson said.

“Hopefully I can stay there.

“My main goal is to keep my spot in the Storm’s first grade, play the best footy I can and give Craig a bit of a headache to pick me.”