He hadn't been named in the squad, but his performances for the Monaro side had been strong and Greenwood was content that he had given it his best shot.

Last week, that all changed. The squad needed replacements due to injury, and Greenwood's was one of the first names on the selectors' list.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, really," Greenwood said of his call-up, which was announced on Tuesday, June 25 by the Goulburn Bulldogs.

"It's my last chance this year, so it's really good to be called up into the side."

The NSW Country Under 23s squad will travel to New Zealand in October, where they will play two matches against a combined team from the North Island and a combined team from the South Island.

Greenwood is aware that New Zealand players are often physically imposing, and he is readying himself for a couple of bruising encounters.

"I'd say they'd be fairly big fellas, [with] bit of talent. It should be a good level of footy to play against," he said.

"Obviously the majority of them are pretty big over the water, but I'll see how we go. Hopefully it's just as physical as it is here and I can handle it."

With the tour still three months away, Greenwood will not focus on it too heavily. Instead, he will concentrate on the Canberra Raiders Cup, where the Goulburn Bulldogs are currently fourth on the ladder and he plays a crucial role as a front rower.

However, with his selection for Monaro, a turn as stand-in captain during Matt Worboys' absence, and now his selection for NSW Country, Greenwood admitted that "it's one of those years where everything seems to be going right."

"I can't thank anyone who's helped me enough. There's lots of people who've helped me out and taught me new things, and it's all contributed and come together."

With a reputation for hard work and complete dedication to the team, it will be no surprise to see the good times keep rolling for Tyson Greenwood.

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