Apple Pope on left (Allene McIntosh photo)

Jacksonville Axemen rugby league player Apple Pope has won a starting spot in an Australian club team for a preseason game this weekend.

Pope has been named on the FOGS Cup trial team for the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

The Seagulls will take on the Souths Logan team from the Brisbane area as all players try to impress the coaching staff in an effort to be offered contracts for the 2010 season.

"Since arriving in Australia Spinner [Howland] and I have driven about 1800 miles and trained every day for the past 11 days," said Pope.

"We have had training sessions at four clubs and finally getting a chance to get on the field will allow me to start doing what I came here to do. I am excited and nervous at the same time."

In a total stroke of luck, Pope will play alongside former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Nat Barnes, who was on the team that visited Jacksonville in 2008 for the Australia Day Challenge.

Pope was one of three Axemen who got to train with the Rabbitohs during their visit and it was great for him to see a familiar face.

"It is pretty obvious at training sessions that Nat has played at a high level," added Pope.

"Everything Nat does is crisp and timed to perfection and after being paired with him for a tackling drills during the week it is easy to see he is going to be one of the standout players for the Seagulls in 2010."