However, while Ian excelled in rugby league, Tate will take to the field in the green and gold of the Olyroos as one of Australian football's brightest junior prospects.

Tate will feature in Australia's two matches against the New Zealand Under 23s this weekend, the first in Wollongong on Friday night before they play in Campbelltown on Monday.

After previously representing the Australian Under 20s, Friday's game will mark Russell's first in the under 23 side and the 20-year-old said it's an honour to make his debut on his home ground.

"It's always an honour to pull on the green and gold," Russell said. "Especially making the step up in age groups, it's an honour.

"It's been a while since I've played in Wollongong, so my friends and family are all coming down. I'm keen to play in front of them.

"There's plenty of memories in the family with dad playing on WIN Stadium for a number of years, so now it's my turn."

The two matches may be labelled friendlies, however there is plenty at stake for all involved.

With Australia preparing to head to the Asian U23 Championships in January where they will play for a place at the Olympics, and New Zealand set to contest the Oceania U23 Championships, the two teams are hoping to build momentum ahead of their respective Olympic bids.

For Russell, the match is an opportunity to prove he belongs at the international level and ensure he books his ticket to Thailand in January.

"You go into these camps with no contract, you're not guaranteed a spot, so you always need to fight. You go back to your club and you've got your contract, you know you're going to be back there the next day, the next week. You have no idea here, so it's important you take your chances.

"I've been given this opportunity, so I need to take it. Every first touch, every pass, every shot needs to be a good one."

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Russell's career has progressed rapidly in the last 12 months, the defender making his A-League debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers in January and going on to play 12 games for the club before the season concluded.

He has shown promising pre-season form in recent weeks and scored a goal in Western Sydney's FFA Cup victory over Sydney United 58 last Wednesday.

Having received a brief taste of A-League play last season, Russell is looking forward to producing at an even higher level for the Wanderers this summer.

"I'm confident going into this season. We've got a good bunch of boys this year and we're looking strong. We're coming off a big win last Wednesday and we're looking to keep that form rolling.

"Having a handful of games under my belt now, that has definitely prepared me going into the season this year and how I prepare myself.

"I learnt a lot about the pace of the game and how much quicker it is. Being out there with quality players, in the heat, it takes a toll on your body, but you have to keep the professionalism and the form up. Learning the mentality to strive through the full 90 minutes was a big learning curve."

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