However the 55-year-old has a valid excuse.

Both he and PCH recruit David Marshall will commence their three day NSW Veterans Cricket campaign this afternoon at Orange.

"Eight weeks ago I was asked about playing over 50s and now it has snowballed significantly where I now have the opportunity to play for my state if I do well this weekend," Thrift told the Singleton Argus.

Thrift, who holds the representative games record for Singleton, has proven himself on the big stage when capturing first grade premierships for PCH, Glendon and JPC respectively.

He and fellow opening batsman Steve Mace will now hope to guide the Newcastle representative team to glory.

"This has reinvigorated me," Thrift continued.

"I haven't been to a training session in the nets for six or seven years but now I've had five or six sessions recently to prepare for this tournament.

"Even last Sunday I played for the Mandalong Lawyers and guided them to a win against Linfield in the Sydney Classics."

Newcastle is scheduled to play the Macquarie Valley Goannas this afternoon while Marshall's Tamworth Hazelwoods line-up face off against Central Coast Green.

If successful, the duo may be in contention for the national championships to be held in Adelaide later in the year.