TRENT Copeland might joke he is "bloody thankful to have played one game for New South Wales, let alone a few more", but his Blues team-mates are seriously glad he did.
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They are glad because the Bathurst seamer has been one of their consistently best performers since he made his debut in 2010.
Last weekend as the Blues began their 2019-20 Sheffield Shield campaign with a five-wicket win over the Queensland Bulls, Copeland notched up yet another career milestone.
He went beyond 350 first class wickets.
Typically modest, Copeland played down his efforts and stressed again the pride he feels in being able to wear a baggy blue.
"It is just a number at the end of the day and wins mean far more to me, but it's very nice to spoken about so highly by some peers of mine and also you know, my team-mates acknowledging it as well," Copeland said in a radio interview.
"I am really proud mate. I'm stoked to have played one game for New South Wales, let alone quite a few and hopefully there's plenty more left."
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Copeland took 1-48 in the first innings against the Bulls at The Gabba, opener Matt Renshaw his 350th first class victim as he was caught out for 19.
In the second innings Copeland claimed 3-57 - that number including both of Queensland's openers - as he again did a job with the ball for the Blues.
It took his tally of first class wickets to 353 at an average of 24.99.
"It's pretty crazy mate, to be honest. I was a wicketkeeper until I was 20 and I was told numerous times that I wasn't good enough and wasn't quick enough and things like that," Copeland said.
"It's really just sort of surreal to think [about] that."
The next Sheffield assignment for the Blues starts this Friday when they host Tasmania.
The game will be moved from the SCG as the pitch square was damaged when the Sydney Roosters trained prior to the NRL grand final. Drummoyne Oval will now host.
"It is a great disappointment to our players and everyone at Cricket NSW that we can no longer play there," Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon said.
