NSW Blues quick and former Bathurst gun Trent Copeland says he’ll do everything he can to be part of the Central West Wranglers’ Plan B Regional Bash should his first class schedule allow it.
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The 29-year-old Australian representative has been named as part of the Wranglers squad ahead of the side’s opening Twenty20 clash of the tournament - which this summer is being run in place of the traditional SCG Cup - on October 25 at Wade Park against the Orana Outlaws.
The inclusion of Copeland - who has 211 first class wickets next to his name - is a massive boost for both the Central West team and the inaugural tournament.
Copeland’s Blues and Sydney Grade Cricket commitments with St George are his obvious priorities, but should a gap in the scheduling permit an appearance in Wranglers colours later this month the former Sydney Sixers ace says he’d jump at the chance to play at Wade Park.
“Nothing is confirmed yet, but I’m excited about the opportunity,” he said.
“I’m very happy to give back to an area that gave me my start.
“Cricket NSW has first priority on their players and if there’s a NSW game or a Sydney Grade Cricket clash, then that’s where I’ll be.
“If I can’t play, then I still want to be part of the set-up, whether that be watching the boys or not.”
Nonetheless, the mere possibility of a former Test match bowler pushing off the fence at Wade Park should be enough to generate plenty of interest in the bush version of the hugely popular Big Bash.
And the coups don’t end there.
It’s understood the Wranglers are also in talks with Dean brothers Blake and Jono ahead of the Sunday, October 25 hit-out.
The Wranglers will complete the rest of its 15-man squad from the designated catchment area - Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow, Mudgee, Gulgong and Blue Mountains - to contest the 16-team, seven-week knockout competition.
Western Zone has been split into the Wranglers’ catchment area and the Orana Outlaws’ zone, which surprisingly includes Parkes, Cowra and Forbes - essentially giving the latter access to the 2014-15 NSW Country Championship winning Western side.
Copeland said the allure of giving back to a region that’s supported him was huge drawcard in becoming a Wrangler.
“My little brother is playing at the moment, so if there’s a chance to help him with it all as well then it’s something I’m interested in,” he said.
He said, for him anyway, cricket was far more than just hitting sixes and taking wickets.
“I captain my Sydney grade cricket side and three-quarters of the job isn’t about batting or bowling, it’s about helping the guys understand bowling plans and executing,” he added.
“If I can impart some of that knowledge onto these guys then I will.”
The winner of the Wranglers and outlaws clash will then play another Thunder Zone side, comprising of the ACT Aces, Border Bullets, Murray Valley Vipers, Murrumbidgee Rangers, South Coast Crew and Wagga Wagga Sloggers, in the second round.
