Two NSW Country squads were released this week for the under 19s State Challenge next Tuesday and Wednesday at Campbelltown against two NSW Metropolitan sides and the Cardiff-Boolaroo all-rounder was a surprising omission.

It understood McGill was one of several players who faced a Cricket NSW code of conduct hearing following allegations of late-night partying at a Coffs Harbour caravan park in November during the NSW Country Colts carnival.

When NSW Cricket country programs manager Bruce Whitehouse was asked yesterday whether McGill had been stood down due to disciplinary reasons, he would only say, "He hasn't been selected".

Whitehouse said investigations were continuing.

McGill said he was disappointed not to be selected, but could not comment further.

Due to the unavailability of Toronto batsman Greg Hunt, McGill was drafted into the Newcastle side this week to face Western tomorrow at Orange's Wade Park.

"We've had no correspondence and we had to send the team down to Country cricket earlier in the week," Newcastle District Cricket Association chairman Paul Marjoribanks said.

"We've had no words to the contrary and would have had by now. He's definitely on the bus as far as I'm concerned."

The inclusion of McGill at No.6 has caused a minor reshuffle in the Newcastle order.

Josh Geary and the in-form Jeff Goninan will open, while veteran Simon Moore replaces Hunt at No.3.

"He's in good form and made a hundred earlier in the grade year, so I'm happy that he gets an opportunity," said Newcastle captain Mark Littlewood, who was also full of praise for Western.

"Big Pat Rosser hits the ball pretty hard and he usually gives you a chance in the first 30.

"They'll be tough, you don't get to the final and not be a good side.

"If we stick to our plans and our little formula we should be OK."

o NEWCASTLE: Josh Geary, Jeff Goninan, Simon Moore, Mark Littlewood (c), Pat Darwen, Bayley McGill, Joe Price, Marcus Hainsworth, Jacob Montgomery, Nick Foster, Ray Cooper, Chris Connors, Courtney Moulton