A tough, but rewarding, test awaits the Dubbo under 18s squad headed to challenge Bathurst, Orange and the Chairman's 11 at Jack Brabham Oval this weekend.
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Players from all four teams will vie for supremacy in the tournament, with a chance at Western Zone Colts selection waiting in the wings for those who impress.
"It's a younger side for sure, it's an under 18s carnival, but a lot of them are 16 and 17, they've definitely got plenty of talent," Nelson said.
"There's some real experienced kids in there too, though, but it'll be difficult, it's not an easy game and I'd say the other three teams are the pick of the sides."
"These kids have played against each other since they were 12, they know what to expect, we'll definitely be competitive."
Despite the possibly rocky road ahead, Nelson welcomed the challenge, saying that making the trip to Orange for the competition could provide a huge boost to his young squad's cricket careers.
"For me, that's why we're doing it, we respect Dubbo cricket and the competition there, but ultimately it's our job to make sure the kids get every opportunity to move onto the next level," Nelson said.
"If we get there and compete, great, but if you're winning games as a team, it makes that selection easier for all of them."
Among the impressive line-up of names set to stake their claim on a Western Zone roster spot are under 16s Australian team member Tom Coady, who will captain the side.
"He'll lead the way, he's a very good leader and we've got some other kids with first grade experience as well, we've got Anthony Atlee and Preston Beauchamp, as well as Paddy Nelson," Nelson said.
"They'll be the senior players in the side when we get there, it's a very young side overall, and we've got some really good up and coming young guns like Ted Murray, he'll be one to keep an eye on, but they're all very confident kids."
