NSW Bush Blues mentor Anthony Kershler has praised Newcastle’s Nick Foster ahead of this month’s Toyota Australian Country Championships.

The Hunter veteran will lead a strong team into battle in the ACT from 13 to 20 January.

The 14-player squad, to be coached by the experienced Kershler, is scheduled to lock horns with rivals from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, ACT, Queensland and East Asia Pacific.

The representative outfit includes six Bush Blues debutants (Aaron Bills, Patrick Magann, Josh McTaggart, Callum Rainger, Hamish Starr and Logan Weston), as well as seven stars from the Newcastle zone (Foster, Josh Bennett, Bills, Jeff Goninan, Magann, McTaggart and Logan Weston).

Manager Shane Burley is another local counterpart.

Kershler said Foster was the perfect choice to skipper the Bush Blues as the tournament returns for the first time in several seasons.

“We are really looking forward to having a full national championship after missing two years with COVID,” he explained.

“This is a very talented squad.

“It’s based on two really good championship weekends with some really strong performances that saw plenty of guys score lots of runs and take big wickets to earn selection.

“Nick’s a great captain and leader.

“His ability to take the sting out of the game and remain calm is something this group will really benefit from.”

NSW opens its account against South Australia at Neil Bulger Oval on day one.

• NSW Bush Blues outfit (Anthony Kershler, coach, North Coastal): Nick Foster (Newcastle), Josh Bennett (Newcastle), Aaron Bills (Newcastle), Nic Broes (Western), Ryan Brown (Riverina), Shaun Eaton (Central Coast), Matt Everett (Western), Jeff Goninan (Newcastle), Patrick Magann (Newcastle), Josh McTaggart (Newcastle), Callum Rainger (Central Coast), Jono Rose (Greater Illawarra), Hamish Starr (Riverina), Logan Weston (Newcastle); Shane Burley (manager, Newcastle), David Redden (scorer, North Coastal)

For more sports stories:

• Strong Newcastle contingent to lead NSW Bush Breakers
• Prestigious Bradman Cup rolls into Lake Mac
• Waratah-Mayfield breaks WT20 Cup drought

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