A LANCASTER rugby super-star is swapping St Helens for Sydney and can't wait to start his new life scrumming down Down Under.

Twenty-five-year-old forward Mark Edmondson got a dream call from the Sydney Roosters and never had a second's thought about his decision.

He has been playing for St Helens in the Super League this summer and got the call from Great Britain coach Brian Noble to pull on his international jersey in the Tri-Nations tournament which starts this weekend.

A broken shoulder put paid to those plans but the affable Edmondson is now relishing the chance to pit his wits against the best players in the world of rugby league in their own back yard.

"I really cannot wait for this to happen," says Edmondson, who was due to jet off the Sydney this morning (Wednesday).

"I have no worries about this. I have made the right decision.

"Okay, I am leaving my family and friends but I have no real ties in this country and this sort of opportunity is far too good to turn down. My shoulder will be fixed soon and Sydney are going to put me through rehabilitation so I will be ready for the season in March.

"There will only be three Brits playing in the NRL next season and I am one of them. How good is that?"

The former pupil of Heysham St Peter's School and Morecambe High will not be alone among the sun, sea and cheerleaders in Oz.

Of the three Brits abroad, one of Mark's teammates at his new club will be legendary England star Adrian Morley.

"I know Mozza well," adds Mark. "He has said I can stay with him until I get settled in so that's good. And one of my old St Helens mates Darren Albert is playing for Cronulla, which is only about 25 minutes away from Sydney, so I will be able to see him regularly.

"And when we play Cronulla I will try and knock his head off mind you I might not be able to catch him because he is a bit quick."

Mark goes on: "I am sure I will get a bit of stick in Australia because I am a Brit but I can live with that. I am quite used to putting up with the Aussies because there are so many in this country and the Saints coach is an Aussie.

"It is a real honour when one of the biggest and best clubs in the world comes in for you so they must have seen something they liked. I have been playing as a prop forward for Saints but I am a little bit too small for that role," adds the six-foot two-inch, 95kg star.

"But then again, there are not many forwards who can sprint 50 yards and beat a full-back but I can.

"I am a second-row really but Saints played me as prop because they have Paul Sculthorpe and Lee Gilmour in the second row.

"Sydney say they are going to play me in ther second row but to be honest I will play at centre, full-back, on the wing or wherever they want me. I just can't wait to get out there and get started."

Edmondson hopes his success and that of locals Mark Walker and Sean Weed can inspire kids in Lancaster and Morecambe.

"People say this is not a rugby league area but three of us have been plucked out of this area into the professional game," says Mark.

"I think I can inspire youngsters. I am a good role model and I hope young people can take a look at Mark Edmondson and say they want to be like Mark Edmondson."