The Blues play their first two matches of the national competition against Western Australia at the WACA on Tuesday and Thursday.

They will be day-night fixtures.

Copeland’s line and length medium-fast bowling has long been a feature of the Blues’ Sheffield Shield outfit - last season he took 34 wickets at an average of 25.

It earned him the Blues’ Sheffield Shield MVP award.

However, since making his one-day debut against Queensland in February, 2010, Copeland has been less utilised in the limited overs format.

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He last played for the Blues’ one-day team in season 2016-17.

That season he played seven matches – including the grand final against Queensland – taking 11 wickets at an average of 24.09.

In the last six seasons he has played 14 one-dayers for the Blues.

However, with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon on Australia duties and Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins out injured, Copeland may get more opportunities this season.

He has proven capable of aggressive batting too – last season in a NSW Premier Cricket one-day club match for St George he clubbed a 52 off 47 deliveries. His knock included three sixes and seven boundaries.

Blues coach Phil Jaques is determined to see NSW improve on last year’s fourth placing said it was a very exciting squad.

“I think we’ve got every angle covered,” he said.

“We’ve picked some really intelligent players. It’s a slightly different looking squad to what we’ve had in previous years.

“It’s a really good mix of young and old.

“There’s exciting players with good power from a batting perspective. We've got some skilful bowlers and the future is looking really bright.”