REPRESENTING his country of birth in the city he developed his game could become a reality for Perth-bred NRL star Curtis Rona this year.

The Canterbury Bulldogs winger was rewarded for his breakout season - where he scored the second-most tries in the competition (22) behind only Parramatta Eel Semi Radradra (24) - with a spot in New Zealand’s England touring side late last year.

And with the Kiwis taking on Australia in Perth’s first ever Test on October 15 at nib Stadium, Rona has his sights set on a special homecoming.

“It’d be a dream come true to be honest,” Rona told The Sunday Times.

“I never thought that the NRL would take an international game over to Perth.

“There’s been a few NRL games there in the last few years which has been great for the game.

“But for me to come back would be a great achievement - to represent the country where I’m from and go to Perth where I grew up, with my friends and family supporting me.”

On the West Coast Pirates’ debate, Rona said the competition couldn’t truly be called national until a WA side was included. Not since the Western Reds took part in the Australia Rugby League (1995-96) and Super League (1997) has a team in the west been involved.

“It’d be great for Perth to have their own franchise (in the NRL),” he said. “You see a lot of talent from Perth go to waste (without a team in the national competition).”

The 23-year-old, who left Perth as a teenager to chase his league dreams, has high hopes for the year ahead, on a personal and team level.

Camera Icon Try-scoring machine Curtis Rona doing what he does best. Credit: News Corp Australia, Gregg Porteous

He is confident of building on a brilliant 2015, his first full NRL season after switching from North Queensland Cowboys.

“Last year was my first full year of NRL and I finished second (in the NRL try-scoring),” he said.

“I want to be better than last year - my ultimate goal is to play better, score more tries and be No. 1.”

Canterbury-Bankstown’s season gets underway against Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on March 4.