TRENT Colley's NSW Country selection on Monday brought to an end a 12-month emotional rollercoaster.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Orange batsman was named in the NSW Country side to play in the Australian Country Championships at Bundaberg in Queensland in January after helping Western Zone to the NSW Country Championship title on Sunday.
"Obviously I'm pretty happy," Colley said. "It's a rewarding thing for a good carnival and a good team performance."
Twelve months ago Colley was a late call-up to the NSW Country side but had to withdraw as the birth of his first child coincided with the Australian Country Championships.
Colley said his selection this year meant he achieved something he had dreamed of.
"Obviously it's been a goal. It's been a goal for a long time," he said.
"The most pleasing aspect is we did well as a zone. If you perform for the team and do a good job, selections take care of themselves."
The opening batsman played a key role in Western Zone's unbeaten run at the Southern pool carnival in Wagga Wagga with knocks of 75 against Riverina, 53 against Southern and 25 against Illawarra.
On Sunday, his 65 helped Western to a two-wicket win over Central Coast in the championship final and earned Colley the man-of-the-match medal.