He might be sure what to expect from a first State Challenge campaign, but Jack Fuller has proven already this season he can make an impact in new surroundings.
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Fuller is one of a host of hometown juniors playing in this week's State Challenge, a carnival which will bring the state's best under 13 and under 14 cricketers to Dubbo for four days of action.
Fuller is the vice-captain of the Country Thunder South West under 14s side.
The 14-year-old is enjoying a strong season, having been part of the Far West side which impressed at the Cricket NSW Youth Championships under 14s carnival earlier in the season while he's made big contributions for club side Macquarie in the junior and senior grades.
Fuller is averaging more than 40 in the local under 16s while he's also cracked the triple figures in the RSL-Pinnington Cup second grade competition.
He's also got a taste of first grade, having featured in the RSL-Whitney Cup and RSL-Pinnington Cup with the Blues.
"I'm pretty excited and it's good to be picked because it's a good bunch of boys," he said.
"I'm not really sure what to expect ... things are going alright though and I've just found my form finally. It's all paid off."
Fuller was one of the many juniors to miss out on playing at the Kookaburra Cup in Albury recently as bushfires and poor air quality saw the carnival cancelled.
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That competition often acts as a selection trial for the State Challenge so without that it came as a "good surprise" when Fuller's name appeared in the South West squad list.
"It's good to know a few of the boys but it will be good to make some new friends," he said.
"I'm looking forward to playing the metro teams and seeing what they've got."
Fuller will get the chance to test himself immediately as South West takes on Metro Sixers North East on day one of the carnival in both the 13s and 14s.
The keeper-batsman is set to form a key part of the top order, as he's done for the majority of the season in the RSL-Pinnington Cup.
He made 103 in the second grade competition earlier in the season and has since got a chance in the top grade.
"It's been a good opportunity and it's been good to be at that higher level. They're good blokes and very helpful," he said.
Fuller is joined in the South West 14s side by fellow Dubbo juniors Fletcher Hyde and Ty Sissian, while Nyngan's Tyson Deebank is also in the squad.
The South West 13s side has a strong Dubbo connection as well, with Greg Rummans coaching and Richie Richardson assisting.
The under 13 female State Challenge is also contested this week, with those games being played at Wellington.
The Country Thunder side which is in action there features two Western Zone juniors, Maddison Spence and Callee Black.
Matches run from Monday until Thursday.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
