The Bathurst cricket star will line up as skipper of the ACT/NSW Country Comets in the opening round of the annual Futures League competition, his side to do battle with NSW Metro.

In past seasons the ACT Comets have fielded a first XI of their own and NSW a single side, but for 2017-18 that has changed to bring things in line with the teams competing at the under 17 and under 19 national championships.

It not only means Copeland gets to play against men he calls NSW Sheffield Shield team-mates, but that he will unite with another talented Bathurst cricket graduate in Jono Dean.

A talented top-order batsman, Dean plays in the Cricket ACT competition.

ACT/NSW Comets coach Aiden Blizzard expects the Bathurst duo to lead by example in the four-day fixture, which will be played at Manuka Oval.

“We are excited to have former Test cricketer Trent Copeland captaining our round one team,” Blizzard said.

“We expect Trent will provide the team with great direction and lead from the front along with experienced players like Jono Dean.”

Copeland’s side also includes two more contracted NSW players in talented opening bastman Nick Larkin and wicket-keeper Jay Lenton.