Siejka was named on an extended bench for a match against the Bulldogs earlier in the month but didn’t take part in the game. He will get his opportunity this week after Travis Burns broke his hand in the 12-8 loss to Manly last week.

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Panthers coach Steve Georgallis is the man who is showing plenty of faith in 19-year-old Siejka to guide the team around the paddock and the rookie coach knows him better than anyone.

“As it turns out I have an opportunity and I intend to take it. I feel like I’m ready,” Siejka wrote about his upcoming debut in a blog on the Panthers website.

“Obviously Steve Georgallis does as well and I owe a lot to him for the role he has played in my career thus far.

“From the time I played my first year of Harold Matthews Cup and signed my first contract, Steve has done a lot for me.

“He gave me my first start in Toyota Cup as a 16-year-old and is now giving me a crack at first grade, so I owe him a lot, because he has stood by me throughout my whole time at Penrith and put a lot of time into me.”

Siejka is both nervous and excited.

“My first grade debut has come around quicker than I expected and not necessarily in the manner I envisaged but after having trained with the boys I’m certainly looking forward to the weekend,” Siejka said.

“As I said, the call-up was a little unexpected and I always thought if I made my debut this year it would be later in the season and off the bench.”

Siejka has played the majority of the Toyota Cup season at halfback but will play five-eighth tomorrow. He said his coach has told him to focus on his natural game.

“He [Georgallis] tells me to play my own game and execute the game-plan and knowing where he is coming from it makes it easier for me to go out there and do my job.

“He’s also given me a bit of a long rein and will allow me to run the ball this week, which is great for me, because I think my speed and ability to run is the best part of my game.”

The Panthers, sitting two points outside the top eight, will be hunting for a win to keep their finals hopes alive, while the Cowboys are hoping to consolidate their spot in the top four.

Even without captain and playmaker Johnathan Thurston, North Queensland have shown good form.

“As for the game, I know it won’t be easy. The Cowboys are always tough at home and even without JT in their side they will be a chall-enge,” Siejka said.

“Having said that, I think we have the team to get up there and get over the top of them, so I’m just focusing on getting out there and doing my job.

“Hopefully I do it well and we grab that win. It would be something special to get a win on debut with plenty of quality players around me.

“All the boys have been welcoming and it’s not often you get to play with such talented players.

“I’ll be on the left side with Michael Jennings. He usually makes the halves look good, so maybe I’ll get the ball to him early and often.”