The 15-year-old is an all-rounder but was chosen primarily for his success with the ball in hand and he will aim to pick up as many wickets as he can when he faces the NSW Combined High Schools and NSW Combined Independent Schools. 

Parkinson was filled with joy after learning he was picked for the representative side.

“I was absolutely stoked. Knowing that I come from a country town and can match it with some of the best players from across the State is an awesome feeling,” Parkinson explained.

He will take a simple game plan on his trip to Sydney to compete and will hear his father’s voice in his head reminding him of how to bowl.

“Keep it pitched up,” he said with a smile. “Dad never misses an opportunity to let me know if I am bowling a bit loose.”

“I am a fast bowler and I will open the bowling, it will be great to grab a couple of early wickets to lift the confidence.”

The St Paul’s College student was picked for the side after impressing in a two day trial for the NSW Combined Catholic College students where he participated in a 50-over match and two twenty20s. 

The Nulla Cricket Club youngster is competing in his first season in the senior grade and it is a family affair as his dad has returned to the field after 20 years of retirement, and he also plays alongside his two brothers.

Despite pressure to play in second grade, Parkinson didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to play with his family and he will remain in the third grade competition for the rest of the season.

“I just see it as a bit of fun and a good experience. It is rare to be able to play with the people you care about the most,” he said.

The NSW CCC will have two sides competing at the All Schools competition and Parkinson will slot into one of the teams and will play in two 55-over matches.

He will be gunning for selection into the NSW All Schools side to compete at a national level early next year.