Shoalhaven-based butcher Nathan Alcock is set to line up for NSW at the State Butchers' Challenge.
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Alcock, who owns and runs Mountain Side Meats at both Shoalhaven Heads and North Nowra, is one of five butchers on the NSW/ACT team.
They will battle it out against some of the best butchers from the country's other states and territories as part of the Showdown in the Showgrounds at Hawkesbury this weekend.
The Showdown features the Natural Wood Co. Invitational BBQ Competition - 'the richest BBQ competition in Australia'.
Thirty of the top Australian barbecue teams, along with 20 teams from around the world, will grill, roast and smoke, in a bid to win a share in $50,000 in cash, prizes and trophies.
But it is the State of Original style butchers' competition that has got Mr Alcock excited.
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"It's a great honour," he said.
"It's exciting - there are a lot of butchers out there and the fact I've been given this chance, I'm very happy."
Twenty of the best butchers from around the country will compete in Sunday's competition.
They will be given a whole lamb and a beef rump and specifications to cut to for each round, culminating in a mystery challenge at the end, which could be anything.
"We have six, 10 minutes heats to achieve our set tasks," he said.
It's a great honour, There are a lot of butchers out there and the fact I've been given this chance, is exciting.
- Shoalhaven butcher Nathan Alcock
"We each have different tasks to perform.
"I know I have to roll a whole side of lamb, which is a fair task.
"Others have to bone a side of lamb or value add a side of lamb."
Judges are industry leaders from the Australian Meat Industry Council, Meat and Livestock Australia and TAFE NSW.
The NSW team is being captained by Craig Munro of Wilberforce and along with Alcock includes Jonny Emney from Mudgee, Cal Holgon from Canberra and Garreth Gorringe from Ryde.
The NSW team has also been selling raffle tickets, collecting donations and generally fundraising for farmers battling the drought.
"We just saw it as our way of being able to do something to help our farmers," Mr Alcock said.
"We are supporting the City Slickers Appeal."
The NSW boys are hoping for a top three finish.
Competition is nothing new to Mr Alcock who has tasted success at numerous Sausage King competitions, both nationally and state-wide.
In May he placed fourth in the Butcher Wars, which featured 30 butchers from around the world, with entrants from Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Australia taking part.
In conjunction with Showdown in the Showground, there will also be a Barbecue Masterclass with self-taught pit-master and big BBQ personality from the USA , Moe Cason at Ace Butchers Supplies in Jamisontown on Thursday, November 7, 4pm-9pm.
Showdown in the Showground will take place at Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Road, Clarendon on Saturday (11am-10pm) and Sunday (11am-6pm), November 9-10.