Quigley, who started working for Roccy FM (radio of Cootamundra, Cowra and Young) three weeks ago, will play third for his Alder Park clubmate and 2009 Newcastle bowler of the year Martin Ball.

"I will be up bright and early on Friday morning to make the five-hour drive to Fairy Meadow," Quigley said.

"It is such an honour to make the Newcastle side and I will continue to make myself available while ever I continue to play in the district.

"As long as my form warrants my selection it will take a crowbar to prise me out of the side."

Quigley is undecided about playing pennants for Alder Park next year.

"I am keen to play but it is a six-hour trip one way from Young," Quigley said.

"It will be a costly exercise each weekend and then there is the wear and tear on my body.

"I will make a final decision around Christmas."

Quigley was working for a pharmaceutical company when his offer to work in radio came out of the blue.

"I received a phone call which basically said if you can be down here in a week you can have a job," Quigley said.

"So I cleared my decks and headed off.

"Working in radio has always been a dream of mine, just like playing bowls for Newcastle."

Toronto Worker skippers Lindsay Willding will also take his place in the team.

Willding has thrown off a middle ear infection and declared himself fit to play after having a roll up late last week.

The 2009 NSW senior singles champion and Royal NSW Bowling Association disability bowler of the year will play third for Swansea skipper Sam Laguzza in the 16-man line-up.

International Terry Antram (Nelson Bay) and Neville Downes (Soldiers Point) are the other skippers in the Newcastle side, who open their account against Zone Four (Western NSW) on Friday afternoon.

Newcastle play Zone 13 (St George/Port Hacking Region) and Zone 11 (Sydney Eastern Suburbs) on Saturday. The winners of the section progress to the semi-finals on Sunday morning.

Commonwealth Games representative Wayne Turley and former national coach Cameron Curtis are skippers for Zone 13 along with state representatives Shane Garvey and Robbie Warren.

Newcastle last won the title in 2005.