Gilkes is in line for a call-up to Australian's under 19 World Cup squad as he looks to continue his meteoric rise, meaning his move to Sydney is already starting to pay off.

The ACT/NSW Country under 19 star joined the University of NSW in Sydney's premier cricket competition this season, leaving the Wests-UC club in Canberra, and was originally making the trek up the Hume Highway every week.

Gilkes has impressed at the Cricket Australia under 19 national championships this week and has six more days to bolster his case for an Australian cap for the 2018 under 19 World Cup.

He's already been earmarked as an Australian prospect after being named in a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup, which will be played in New Zealand beginning on January 12.

An Australian call-up would "mean everything" for the Canberra product as he eyes a state contract.

"It's definitely something that you've wanted to do your whole life, and to actually have the chance to be able to represent your country at a high level would be awesome," Gilkes said.

"I'm not really focused on it too much but definitely going well will put my name out there to hopefully be involved in the team.”

Gilkes' fellow South Coast product Tom Engelbrecht stole the show at nationals on Friday in a stellar outing against the Cricket Australia XI, scoring 71 and backing it up with 5-54 and a run-out in the 29-run win.

Teams at nationals will now have a rest day ahead of another round of matches in Launceston on Sunday, with the final to be played on Friday.

Matthew Elliott will coach the Australian under 19 side with Ryan Harris as his deputy, and the pair are keeping a close eye on Gilkes alongside the youth selection panel.

Meanwhile, Steven Murphy will make his 250th club appearance for North Canberra-Gungahlin in his long-awaited return to first grade against Tuggeranong at Harrison Oval.

The last time Murphy played first grade was in his 200th club game.

Meanwhile, ACT/NSW Country claimed the under 18 female national championships title in a thrilling one-wicket win over New South Wales Metro in the decider in Canberra.