HE’S already realised his dream of playing Super Rugby and tonight Mick Snowden will make another dream happen – one hatched 12 years ago.
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The former Pirates half-back recalled sitting in the loungeroom watching the British and Irish Lions play Country in Coffs Harbour last time they were out here.
“I distinctly remember saying to my grandfather ‘I’d love to play in that one day’,” he said.
And now he is, and he can’t wait.
“I wouldn’t say I’m more excited than my debut but it’s not far off,” Snowden said.
The now Western Force scrum half will be part of the Combined Country side that will tackle the best England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales has to offer in Newcastle.
Alongside him at fly half will be former Gunnedah junior Angus Roberts.
Snowden wasn’t sure it would work out but said when he saw it on the calendar he wanted to get involved.
“I was pretty happy when I got the call,” he said.
Being a Country boy, it was the game he really wanted to play in.
“I don’t think it’ll happen again,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to reminiscing about it when I’m 50.”
The Lions will cap what has already been a huge year for the 25-year old after taking up a contract with the Force.
Going over as part of the extended playing squad (EPS), he has got a lot more game time than he expected.
“I came across fully aware that I’d be backing up for Sheeno (Brett Sheehan) and Alby (Mathewson),” he said.
He said he would have been stoked if he’d got one cap.
As it is, he’s earned six and has been in the match-day 22 nine times.
“I’m way ahead of where I thought I’d be,” Snowden said.
His first couple of caps were as a wing replacement.
“I actually made my debut on the wing (against the Kings),” he said.
“I didn’t get my first run at nine until the Rebels.
The Force haven’t had too many wins this season, but did have a memorable win over the Crusaders, which was especially so for Snowden.
“I actually got to boot the ball into the stand to finish that game,” he said.
South Africa was another great experience.
“It was a bit of a spin-out,” he said.
“It’s definitely like stepping into another world.”
While Sheehan’s return from injury has kept him out of the squad in recent games, the time he has got has given Snowden a lot of confidence.
“The most pleasing thing is I realised I actually belong at that level,” he said.
The Lions have won all their games on tour so far and will be a tough ask.
“They could put out their worst side and they’d still be incredible,” he said.
As for who he’d like his opposite to be?
“I’d love to play Mike Phillips,” Snowden said.
“With the exception of Will Genia he’s probably the best in the world.”
“And everyone wants to play against (Brian) O’Driscoll.”