The talented batsman is the only Highlands representative in the 12-man Southern Zone squad for the three-day carnival in southwest NSW.

United allrounder Scott Manley was selected to join Cameron at Barooga this weekend but was ruled out this week through injury.

Cameron last played for the Southern Zone senior side in 1998/99, his last season with Bowral and he said the experience was something beneficial to his game.

"I was quite keen to play Southern Zone and to perform well in the Burns Cup when I came back, because the rep games are a chance to play a higher level of cricket.

Cameron has spent the last four seasons playing grade cricket in Sydney, but the formation of a new regional first grade competition prompted the Bowral junior to return to his roots.

The slashing right hand batsman has enjoyed his return so far, scoring an unbeaten century in the opening round, but in recent weeks has missed out due to low scores and wash outs.

The Southern NSW team will be chosen at the end of the championships, with Cameron an obvious contender for the side.

"It is a goal but that's not what the focus is on.You play for your own personal achievements and for the team's achievements and the selection part of it will take care of itself.

The Southern NSW Country Championships starts today and continues through until Sunday, with Southern playing Riverina today, Illawarra tomorrow, before finishing off with a match against Western on Sunday.

Goulburn allrounder Kurt Miller has also withdrawn from the side with Shoalhaven teenagers Philip Wells and David Sawkins the players rushed into the 13-man squad.

With Cameron in Barooga, United will have to face Goulburn side Railway at Chater Oval, minus the services of their skipper.

However, Bowral have plenty of depth in their ranks and plenty of players in form to cover the loss.

In the other match played in the Highlands, Moss Vale will be looking to improve when they take on Soldiers at Bradman Oval.

Moss Vale was dismissed for only 71 in their six-wicket loss to Workers last Saturday and captain Tony Friedrich will be looking for more resistance from his troops at the batting crease this time around.

In matches in Goulburn, Wingello face Workers at Seiffert and Coolavin hosts Hill Top at Kenmore.

Coolavin and Hill Top are both yet to win a game this season and both sides would be looking to breaking their duck for season 2003-04.