EXPERIENCED Wagga cricketer Kurt Robertson is keen to justify the selector's faith when he returns to the Riverina team for Friday's NSW Country Championships in Griffith.

Robertson will return to the Riverina team for the first time in "four or five" years and is keen to pick up where he left off after he played a major hand in the team's fortunes last time around.

Robertson scored a century as Riverina made it through to the final, where it lost to Newcastle, but has not played at the championships since.

Now 32, Robertson was thrilled when he received the call about his selection and hopes to make up for lost time over the next three days.

"It's been four or five years at least I'd reckon," Robertson said.

"I'm pumped, I can't wait.

"I hope to go over there and play my part.

"I'm definitely going over there to play cricket, that's for sure."

Robertson will head to Griffith in form after scoring 93 in his last innings for Lake Albert last weekend.

Robertson has proven before he can perform at the next level and believes he will return better prepared.

"I hit a hundred there before, I think it was about 140, but I want to be a bit more consistent with the bat as well," he said.

"I want to take the chance.

"I probably won't be as overawed about it all as I was first go.

"I want to be a decent influence around the young fellas, too, who are playing their first few games."

Robertson has been involved in several Riverina cricket teams, some that have performed strongly at the championships.

He believes this year's Riverina squad has what it takes to go a long way.

"To be honest, this year's side is one of the better teams I've played in," he said.

"They have picked a couple of older, experienced guys, they've picked guys in form, which is impressive, and they've got a good variety of bowlers.

"I think the team is as strong as it can be."

RIVERINA has made two late changes to its team for the opening match of the NSW Country Championships against Western Zone on Friday.

All-rounders Josh Thompson and Grant Wells have both been forced to pull out of the opening match due to work commitments.

Lake Albert paceman Brett Davies has been promoted to the starting 12, while Griffith teenager Connor Matheson has been called in for Friday's match.

Thompson and Wells will still play the final two games of the championships.