With rain causing havoc across the east coast of Australia, the Tamworth Vets cricketer has been asked the same question by countless people: Is the Veterans Cricket State of Origin going ahead?

"It is, mate," Kellett told The Leader on Tuesday.

"We're fine. We've got synthetic grounds as a back-up if required.

"It's on Monday and Tuesday and I think the council guys will be on [the pitch] as soon as they can and they'll have them ready. They've been pretty good all year and done a wonderful job for us."

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Rain has been falling in Tamworth constantly since early Monday morning but the clouds are expected to dry up by Thursday with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting sunny days through to Monday when the State of Origin begins.

Thirty-two teams - and 384 players - across three age groups will descend on the region after last year's event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The over 50s games will be played in Gunnedah, the 60s will take to the field in Tamworth while Quirindi will host the over 70s matches.

Players will touch down on Sunday for a catch-up before things get serious on Monday for the two-day carnival.

"We're excited, it's awesome - all those words," Kellett said on the tournament going ahead.

"Once it gets here, we'll meet all Queensland counterparts on Sunday night, have a beer and then go and play the next day.

"Obviously we want to beat the banana benders - that's the plan, get in and have a dig."

Kellett will be one of 16 Tamworth players to take to the field and said he was looking forward to testing himself against Queensland.

"You're playing with and against Australian representatives," Kellett said.

"In all age groups you're competing against the best that we've got.

"I haven't played a lot of rep cricket, either. I don't know a lot of these guys but I'll be challenging myself to try and match them."

While most games will be played during the day, Tamworth's No. 1 Oval and Gunnedah's Kitchener Park will host night games on Monday night.

"If anyone wants to come down, buy a steak or a sausage, and have a look at some of the best old cricketers around, they're welcome," Kellett said.

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