Nelson Bay Bowling Club operations manager Richard Girvan will play his 127th game as a New Zealand Black Jack and the club's bowls coordinator Terry Antram will debut for Australia when the event gets under way on May 12.

"I've been in the NSW team for the last three years but I was still pretty surprised when I got picked," Antram said.

The pair will meet when Girvan skips the Kiwi triples and Antram leads Australia's trio at the annual Australia versus New Zealand showdown.

Girvan said hostilities were traditionally high between the rival nations, but said experiencing his mate's debut on the international stage, even from the opposing corner, would be something special.

"It's a wonderful feeling whenever you get to represent your country...I'm really happy I'm going to be there to see Terry make his debut.

"We are very proud of the work he does here at the club, but we are also proud of what he achieves on the green."

The event this year serves as a crucial selection trial for to the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October.

While Girvan is at short odds to secure a Games berth after winning silver in the mens triples at the eight nations in Delhi earlier this month, Antram is realistic about his Games hopes as a debutant.

"I'm there, in the team, so I'm still a chance but probably a long shot," he said.

"I would have thought they would want someone with a little more experience in the Commonwealth Games team, but we'll see."

Antram survived the cut for the Australian team after four training camps.