NEW St Helens signing Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook is going to get a baptism of fire three times over on Saturday when Super League XVI kicks off in Cardiff.

Not only does the England prop make his real debut for Saints, but for good measure throw in the emotion and intensity that goes with a first Wigan derby plus a maiden appearance at the awe-inspiring Millennium Stadium.

You would imagine the jitters would be setting in for the first Londoner to wear the red vee since the legendary Cliff Watson – but not a bit of it for the confident front rower dubbed ‘Danny Dyer’ by his teammates.

Fit again after being withdrawn early from the last trial game against Huddersfield with a deadleg, McCarthy-Scarsbrook is looking forward to getting to know all about the most famous derby in rugby league.

He said: “It does not get much tougher, but it should be a good game and a cracking atmosphere. What we do in the middle is crucial. If you win middle of park you are half way there.

“It is my first time at Cardiff - I missed Quins’ last visit there with a broken wrist so it will be nice to play there and see the rivalry.”

The 25-year-old is looking forward to featuring in a pack featuring joint skipper James Graham, Tony Puletua, Paul Clough and, when fit, Josh Perry.

Although 6ft 3 and tipping the scales at around 17stones, McCarthy-Scarsbrook is quick for a prop and a could offer a bit of variety to complement his front row colleagues – particularly running off Graham.

“Jammer can see gap for miles, an awesome player, so as long as you run off him you can get put through.

“I like playing a lot of minutes and for a prop forward I am pretty light on my feet and can go for a long time but it is up to the manager how to play me and for how long,” he said.

Swapping London for Newton-le-Willows was a big decision for mad keen Millwall fan McCarthy-Scarsbrook to make, but says it had to be done to further his career and win medals.

He is just getting used to the change in pace of life from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

“All the boxes are unpacked now, the missus is settled in and the dog, too, who is just shattered from all the walks from all the green fields. “Sometimes I do miss it – but if I get homesick I have always got my missus at home to talk to and EastEnders on the telly.”

However, McCarthy-Scarsbrook accepts that he has escaped the anonymity afforded to a rugby league player walking around the capital.

“I am under the magnifying glass a bit more up here. Up here they will let me know – I just hope to play well enough for them to notice,” he said.