Mackay is part of the NSW Country field men state team, that will take on the top players country players from all the other states across Australia, as well as an Australian Defence Force team.

“The team was selected at the NSW open men's state championships at Moorebank over the June long weekend,” Mackay said 

“I've been lucky enough to be in this team before but it's always a pleasing sight to see your efforts being recognised to represent your state.

“I cherish any chance I get to wear the NSW colours.

“Unfortunately, due to the players being from all over the state, we didn’t have any training sessions leading up to Darwin.” 

Following this week long tournament, an Australian county open men's side and an under 21 Australian country side will be selected.

NSW Country field men state team: Justin Alford (Grafton), Hugh Cameron (Grafton), Jacob Dearing (Newcastle), Nick Dewith (Newcastle), Michael Dillon (Orange), John Fernance (Newcastle), Riley Hanrahan (Bathurst), Tristan Hunt (Newcastle), Ben Kelly (Lithgow), Alex Mackay (South Coast), Matthew Magann (Newcastle), Nicholas Milne (Orange), David Reid (Illawarra South Coast), Jed Schofield (Southern Highlands), Luke Witchard (Newcastle), Ben Wright (Southern Highlands), Jaden Ekert (coach), Barry Reid (manager) and Elaine Tan (physiotherapist).