“I was stoked even to be included in the Heartland Championship squad as a standby player.
“If I get to wear the Silver Fern it’ll be a dream come true.”
McDonald went into camp today with the goal of giving it everything to try to get a start or come off the bench.
“I’m nervous as hell but excited,” he said.
“I’ve got to thank the OBM and Bay boys for helping me get there.”
McDonald made an immediate impression in his first game for OBM, a must-win match against defending Lee Bros Shield champions
High School Old Boys, with big hits, carries and offloads as OBM won a thriller 22-17.
A week later he showed his courage when he suffered a bad shoulder injury against Ngatapa and left the field for treatment just before halftime.
He returned after the break in obvious pain but refused to go off and launched himself into tackles as OBM booked a top-four spot with a 20-15 win.
“It’s a well-deserved honour,” Bay assistant coach Dwayne Russell said.
“Callum’s like a bull out of the gate and I say that as a compliment.
“He’s dedicated, passionate and mentally tough, and he gives it everything from the kick-off.
“He has a professional attitude, wants to learn and prepares well.
“He’s always looking to better himself for the benefit of the team.
“We’re all stoked for him. Callum’s got his chance and we know he’ll give it everything.
“He’s a guy who leads by example. He earned the respect of his teammates, putting his body on the line every time he took the field.”
Russell said he watched the Meads Cup final between Thames Valley and South Canterbury with mixed emotions.
“I was disappointed that we weren’t in any of the finals, especially watching Thames Valley win, but I was happy to see them win.
“It just shows what could have been. We should have beaten them here.”
The Bay led Valley 34-27 with five minutes remaining before losing 37-34.
Valley coach Matt Bartleet said winning that game gave his team the belief they could win the big one.
