There's no half measures for rookie Bull Adam Watene, who makes his Super League debut tonight - in the fierce Knowsley Road cauldron.

The Cook Islander prop has been restricted to Senior Academy duty since joining the champions from Castleford Tigers over the winter.

He has been eager to step up but there is no gentle introduction to the big time. Instead, for his first taste of the real deal, Watene gets thrust straight into the intensity of a top-of-the-table showdown with St Helens.

With Stuart Fielden entering the televised clash nursing a calf injury, Brian Noble has plumped for a fourth prop in his squad as a safeguard so the novice gets the nod for what is expected to be a blockbusting encounter.

"This is what I've been waiting for for the last three months," admitted Watene, who starts on the bench.

"I'm looking forward to it big time. I've been patient and I know I've got to take these opportunities when they come up. All I wanted was a chance and here it is. This is what it's all about."

At 28, the big front-rower will be one of the oldest-ever first-grade debutants.

He only arrived in England last year, catching the eye in Castleford's LHF Healthplan National League One promotion-winning squad having joined from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears.

Noble offered him a 12-month deal as back-up for Fielden, Joe Vagana and Andy Lynch but the player did not feature in any of the opening five rounds. Now he has his shot - and it is some baptism.

When Watene comes off the bench he will be expected to muscle up against the likes of tough guys Paul Anderson, Jason Cayless and Paul Sculthorpe and admits it is his moment of truth.

"Hopefully enthusiasm, aggression and adrenaline will be in my favour - and I've got awesome players around me too," he said.