"I've just turned 70, so I'll be the the youngest player in the team,'' the all-rounder from Hallidays Point said with a laugh.

He's been named in the Australian squad to tour New Zealand next month.

"Most of the other players are aged around 73 or 74. They'll have a couple of years on me,'' McWilliams continued.

"And I bat and bowl, so I expect to get used a fair bit.''

The Australians will be away for a touch over two weeks and will play six matches. McWilliams is expecting the matches against the New Zealand 70s to be fiercely fought affairs, showcasing the Trans Tasman rivalry.

"It's exciting and I'm looking forward to the tour,'' he said.

This will be his first time in Australian colours. However, he's had experience playing against international competition. Last year he represented NSW over 60s against a touring English team.

McWilliams took the new ball and dismissed both English openers but wasn't required to bat, with NSW getting the required runs for the loss of just four wickets.

"It was a bit unusual, I often open the batting, but I found myself opening the bowling on this particular occasion,'' he said.

McWilliams was a late starter as a cricketer. He didn't play competition cricket until he was in his 30s, confining himself to bowling in the nets for his brother's side in Sydney. However, he finally decided to take up the game and was good enough to eventually play first grade for Marrickville, Earlwood and Croyden Park before moving to Forster.

"I was in my late 50s by then. I contacted the local team and ended up captaining the first grade side,'' he said.

Later with Mark Taylor he formed the Hallidays Point club and was the leading wicket taker in third grade one season.

"I was pretty proud of that because I was playing against a lot of young fellas,'' he said.

While age started to weary him somewhat, McWilliams didn't lose his love of the game or his competitive edge. He was eventually introduced to veterans cricket which he describes as 'fantastic.'

McWilliams explained that numbers in the veterans ranks (over 50s, 60s and now 70s) are growing.

"I've gone from being the oldest player in the over 60s to the youngest in the over 70s,'' he smiled.

There are a number of tournaments played throughout the summer and this culminates in a State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland, described by McWilliams as 'cut throat.'

"It's as serious as the football,'' he said.

The State over 60 championship will be played at Wauchope, Laurieton and Port Macquarie next week and McWilliams believes this will be perfect preparation for New Zealand.

"It'll be good to have a hit before I go over there,'' he said.

He urges ex-cricketers to consider joining the veterans.

"It's a great way to stay fit and get out and meet people,'' he said.

"And we're looked after - we get good turf wickets, umpires and the cricket is of a high standard.''

McWilliams said while he's healthy and enjoying his cricket, he'll keep playing.

Now that he's the 'baby' of the over 70s, he's confident he has a few summers left in him yet.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.