When the NSW team searches for its fourth successive title at Darwin, from July 24 to 31, Ekert will be doing so as the squad’s coach.

However, Bathurst won't be without a representative in the playing squad thanks to Ekert's St Pat's Premier League Hockey teammate Riley Hanrahan gaining selection.

Ekert was eager to take the step into a new role.

"I'm really excited about it. At that high level of competitiveness my body's just not fit enough for it anymore. I'm getting too old for it," he said.

"I love coaching. It's something that I really want to get into. This is the first part of it, which I'm really looking forward to."

Ekert has been in a recent coaching role, having previously co-coached his home-city Pat’s side.

He said the same position in NSW Country will be a whole new experience and a big mental test for him.

"I'm got to take my emotion out of it and look at the game from a different perspective as opposed to being a player," he said.

"I have to be calm. I love being involved with it but if the guys see me getting up and getting angry at things that can't be helped then that can be a domino effect."

Hanrahan’s addition to the team means Bathurst’s representation in the playing squad continues.

Ekert is excited to see what his pace can bring to the squad.

"It will be interesting having guys like Riley Hanrahan in the team. He's got so much speed and so much skill," Ekert said.

"He's never had a chance and I'm grateful to give him that chance. I hope he takes it with both hands.

"I've got a lot of respect for the kid. He's such a good player and to have that ability and never go anywhere with it is such a shame but now he's got that chance."

Ekert said he wanted to give the team the best possible chance of retaining the title, which he believes can be achieved through flexibility in his playing squad.

"NSW, we're going for four in a row. I've been a part of the last three, which is brilliant. Now coaching to try and get that fourth in a row is pretty special," he said.

"With the team I've picked there's a lot of speed and a lot of diversity. That's guys that can play different positions and not just set spots, whereas over the years Country have picked players based on where they play. I've picked for versatility.

"That means I’ve got guys that can shift all around the park and dominate teams. There going to be some young kids in this team that are borderline under 21s that I’ve picked in this Country side and if they play to their potential they could be lethal.

“It’s 35 degrees in winter up there though so you’ve got to deal with that.”