KATY Perry probably didn't have AJ Wallace in mind when she released her second global smash hit of 2010, but yesterday morning really was a 'Teenage Dream' for the Bulls forward.

The 19-year-old second row has been called up by Jamaica for the first time, and will represent them at this year's Rugby League World Cup.

He is joined in the 24-man selection by fellow Bulls youngster Bradley Ho, as well as Cougars winger Mo Agoro, with the latter's head coach, Rhys Lovegrove, being named on the Reggae Warriors' coaching staff for the tournament.

Speaking to the T&A about the news yesterday, a delighted Wallace said: "It's a bit unexpected.

"I'm only 19 years old, so when I was told I'd be in the squad, and would get the chance to take on world class players and get my name out there a bit more, it was a dream come true.

"This call up has definitely come sooner than I expected it to."

One fixture in particular has piqued the interest of Wallace, Jamaica's second Group C game against the mighty New Zealand.

The Bulls teen said: "The first thing people keep asking me is who we're up against in our group, so when I tell them we face New Zealand they can't believe it.

"I then get asked whether I'm excited or nervous, and having seen the size of their boys, I know it's going to be a tough game.

"But I expect the adrenaline will get me through if I get bashed about, and I probably won't feel sore until afterwards."

New Zealand will almost certainly top Group C, but the second and final qualification spot for the quarter-finals looks up for grabs between Jamaica, Ireland and Lebanon.

Wallace said: "We're trying to get out of the group and we obviously hope to win every game, as you never want to simply just do your best.

"But that will probably have to be the case against New Zealand, which means we have to win against Ireland and Lebanon to get through.

"We've just got to go into those games with the same hard-working mindset that we've shown in the off-season at the national team training camp."

There were some familiar faces in that camp for Wallace, who said: "I was with a couple of players who I used to admire watching on TV as a kid, like (Huddersfield's) Michael Lawrence, so that was amazing.

"Kieran Rush plays for the Giants too, and he's my age so we've played academy rugby against each other.

"There were a couple of Bradford lads too. Dave Foggin-Johnston didn't make the final squad but he was in camp, and there was Brad Ho too.

"It's always good to have some familiar faces in an unfamiliar environment."

Wallace wanted to pay tribute to his media manager James Moore for helping to get his name out there over the last couple of years, but the second-row has been doing that with his performances too.

One of Bulls' better players in 2022, despite it being his first season of first-team rugby, Wallace said: "It was something completely new.

"I'd come from Leeds' academy, where I was used to playing people my age or a year older, so it was a big thing to head into pre-season with Bradford alongside a lot of established pros.

"I felt I adapted quickly though, and got more comfortable the more carries I made and the more starts I had. I managed a few tries too.

"I know John Kear was happy with me when he was here and that's continued since.

"In a way, I wanted the season to carry on, as I felt I was getting better all the time."

Wallace only signed a one-year deal with Bulls, so could be moving on for next season, and there are rumours that Super League side Castleford are about to snap him up.

But the teenager insisted: "There's obviously stuff going on behind the scenes, and the goal is always to play in Super League.

"But as long as I'm getting regular first-team rugby somewhere, then I'm happy."