Hailed as the next Andy Farrell, Castleford Tiger Westerman was named in Tony Smith's 19-man squad yesterday for Friday's crucial warm-up ahead of England's World Cup campaign in Australia come October.

Peacock completely agreed with Westerman's selection and is in no doubt that the stand off/loose forward is destined to shine.

Coach Smith has even hinted that Westerman may start in Toulouse and Rhinos' proud England captain insists the young protege is more than good enough to make the grade.

"Tony (Smith) asked me to speak to the representatives who we thought were going to go on the U-18s tour – which Callum Watkins and Paul McShane had just been picked for," said Peacock.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to the players then and I could tell by the way that he (Westerman) was listening that this guy is intent on becoming a really good player.

"You can tell just by looking in someone's eyes and he was keen to know about what I knew about the game.

He really paid attention.

"I enjoy watching him play and he's just a natural footballer, a natural rugby league player."

Pontefract-born Westerman joined Cas' from Featherstone Lions and has enjoyed a fine season for the Tigers with 16 appearances so far leading to nine tries and 26 successful kicks, a total of 88 individual points.

He also ended last season as both the club's and the National League's Young Player of the Year winner.

Peacock has always held Westerman in the highest regard.

"I've seen a bit of him coming through in National One and I just thought for how old he is, to be doing what he is doing is fantastic," said Peacock.

"Just judging by the way he listens it appears that he's got the right attitude and he's got the talent."

In total, head coach Smith named six possible England debutants though Sam Burgess of Bradford Bulls plus St Helens duo James Graham and James Roby all have Great Britain caps to their name.

Westerman, along with Hull KR's Peter Fox – an ex-Wakefield star – is one of only two squad members without a cap for England or Great Britain but that will soon change.

Smith hinted there is every chance Westerman may play a part and possibly even start.

He also left little doubt that the 18-year-old is a huge part of his future plans whatever part he plays in France.

"I see Joe as a possible starter for this game," said Smith.

"There's a possibility of him making it, but if not I'm sure Joe has got an international future so I think it's worthwhile for him coming in and I may well make a decision to throw him straight in.

"We'll see after training and once we've got to our accommodation over the next few days.

"If the worst experience is that he comes into this squad, he travels and he works out the way things work and operate at international level then, well, that's not such a bad thing for a young man.

"I think anybody who knows me knows that I like to introduce young players."

Smith is likely to name his side either today or tomorrow but either way Westerman is celebrating the highlight of his young career so far.

Topping even selection for the squad to face France would be a place on the plane to Australia and Smith has hinted there is every chance Westerman could achieve this ultimate goal.

After Friday's international against France, England will tackle Wales in October but Smith will also be looking for Westerman and Fox to continue their fine form in the Super League.

If they do, there is every chance they will be on the final plane.

"I won't just be looking at how they perform on the pitch this week but also how they interact with each other in camp," said England's head coach.

"This is their opportunity to impress and, providing they maintain their form over the remainder of the season, potentially book their flights to Australia for the World Cup."