Aitken was named on the interchange for the PM’s XIII side that played Papua New Guinea. 

Played in Port Moresby, Aitken had a strong game and scored a try in Australia’s 40-12 trouncing of the team. 

The young side was coached by Ivan Cleary and was seen as an emerging talent squad. 

Aitken said he considers the selection as a “stepping stone” to bigger things.

“It’s like a squad of emerging talent and I’m still working towards that [Australian jumper],” Aitken said. 

“I get along well with [captain Trent Merrin] and he looks after you, so it’s good to have a guy like him leading the side.”

Aitken’s proud mum Jill Overend said the inclusion was a dream come true for Aitken. 

“His childhood dream was to play for the Kangaroos,” she said. 

“As parents, we are so proud of his achievements, he is living his dream.”

The selection was a cherry on top of a series of accolades for the young Dragon. 

He was just last week awarded the Mark Coyne award for career development. 

He is doing tertiary studies with a BA of Nutrition Science at the University of Wollongong. 

Aitken had a chat with NRL legend Wendell Sailor, who commended the young star on his season and achievements. 

“Wendell is always good and he’s definitely a character,” Aitken said. 

“He has a bit of a laugh and it’s a weight off to just chat with him.”

Aitken has also featured heavily in speculation about the Rookie of the Year Award. 

He said he tried to avoid pressure surrounding the award. 

“It’s a brilliant accolade, but I try not to worry about it too much. 

“At the end of the day, I have a job to do for the club.”

Overend said the family had done “countless kilometres” of travelling to get Aitken to and from rep games. 

“We have travelled to places that we  probably wouldn't have gone to, following his football representative games over the years,” she said with a laugh. 

“But Euan has done us, his community and especially himself  proud. 

“We love being behind Euan in his football journey.”

After the weekend’s match, he will be able to put his feet up with about seven weeks off from duties. 

He will use the holidays to travel and visit home in Pambula..

“It’s more or less a bit of time to put the feet up,” Aitken said. 

“I wanted to do some travelling - I want to go to Bali for a week or so and then visit the Greek Isles.“