Come tomorrow, however, he will experience a first in his chosen sport: he will wear a NSW Country jumper for the first time.

It may seem odd that Robinson, a talented flanker who has played Australian Schoolboys rugby, Super Rugby for the Queensland Reds and even pulled on a Wallabies jumper, has not yet played for NSW Country.

It was something Robinson had long wanted to do, but it took the creation of the National Rugby Championship to give him the opportunity.

Formed last year, the competition gives players from Super Rugby plus Queensland and NSW club competitions the chance to play alongside one another in a national league.

It follows on from the failed Australian Rugby Championships, a competition formed in 2007. One of the eight teams in that league was the Central Coast Rays, an outfit which benefited from having Robinson in the squad.

“I definitely think this [National Rugby Championship] needed to be done. Well, they did it in 2007, but it was disappointing that it didn’t get a real chance to get going then,” the former Stannies star said.

“Back then I was calling for a NSW Country side to be involved in it, so it’s great they are there now.”

Robinson took part in the inaugural edition of the National Rugby Championship last year, but he wore the Queensland Country colours.

This time around he has switched camps to the NSW Country Eagles and will line up against the Greater Sydney Rams tomorrow. He is excited at the prospect.

“No, I’ve never played for NSW Country before,” he said.

“I played for Queensland Country last year, but I suppose the reason for wanting to play for NSW Country is that I am from Dubbo and I went to school in Bathurst.

“I am definitely looking forward to playing for NSW Country; it’s my area and it’s a bit of an honour.”

The Darren Coleman-coached Eagles will not only play home matches in Sydney, but will venture to country venues like Tamworth and Bathurst.

The Eagles will play the North Harbour Rays at Bathurst on October 17 at Ashwood Park.

“I was pretty disappointed I couldn’t play in Dubbo last year, but I am really looking forward to playing in Bathurst,” Robinson said.

“By all accounts the boys get really good support when they go out and play in the country.”

While the competition is a tier below Super Rugby, Robinson is still expecting some quality rugby to be played during the 11-week tournament.

With continued support, he says, the standard will continue to improve and the NRC will become a much-anticipated part of the Australian rugby calendar.

“It’s an alright standard. Hopefully it will be a bit better this year than what it was last year. It should improve year to year as teams develop. It was a bit rushed last year,” he said.

The Eagles made it to the semi-finals last year, where they went down to eventual premiers Brisbane City.

With Robinson’s team-mates this year including Australian under 20s representative Tom Staniforth, ACT Brumbie Michael Dowsett, NSW Waratah Sam Lousi and Irish international Tom Sexton, he is hoping the Eagles can go even deeper into the competition.

There is little doubt he will play a major role in leading that charge.

“They had quite a good year last year. It would be nice to get back to that stage again this year and hopefully take it further,” Robinson said.

“I suppose I am a little bit older than some of the guys there and being one of the blokes who has Super Rugby experience, yeah, I guess I see myself as a little bit of a leader.”

The Eagles and Rams will do battle from 3pm tomorrow at Merrylands RSL Park.