The winner of the match earns a berth in the SCG Country Cup preliminary finals on the South Coast later this month.

McNeil comes into the side for Old Boys allrounder Aaron Hazlewood, who has work commitments.

Hazlewood’s power batting will be missed, although the Tamworth side does bat right down the order.

McNeil’s ability to bowl some electric spells is also a boost.

Tamworth selector Adam Jones said  the young quick proved his ability in the Country Championships for Central Northern Zone earlier this year.

“He bowled a great spell against Newcastle on the final day,” Jones said.

“On his day he is a real  handful for any batsmen.”

He will form a three-pronged pace attack with outstanding left armer Col Smyth and young right armer Jack McVey, one of the most improved players in the TDCA.

The Tamworth bowling attack also has North Tamworth’s English import Stuart Plant to bowl left arm spin, State Under 17 allrounder James Psarakis to bowl right-arm offspin with North Tamworth skipper Michael Rixon.

Bective pair Adam Jones and Cal Rowe also bowl medium pace.

“Our batsmen really back the full time bowlers up well,” Jones said.

“And our fielding is more of a key than the bowling.”

“We have plenty of young blokes that buzz around the field and pick everyone up.”

Tamworth also possesses an exceptionally strong top eight batsmen, featuring in-form openers Michael Rixon and Simon Norvill.

The pair put on an opening masterclass when they plundered 122 between them in double time against Gunnedah last Sunday.

“The side almost picks itself at the moment,” Jones said.

“We have three good quicks, a spinner, and an excellent batting line up.”

“It is a very well-rounded team and one of the strongest we have fielded for a few years at least.”

If the side can get on top of Coffs Harbour they will only be two games away from returning to the SCG for the final.

“We have been there before and know what is at the end of the tunnel,” Jones said.

“If we play to our potential I am confident we can get there.”