ACT Comets all-rounder Vele Dukoski. Photo: Rohan Thomson

If ACT Comets gun all-rounder Vele Dukoski needs any inspiration when he walks out to face Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, all he has to do is look at his hands.

Dukoski carried so much concrete while labouring on Friday, he could barely move his hands and he knows his selection for NSW Country to take on NSW City in a 50-over game at Penrith on Sunday is an opportunity to stake a claim for a cricket career.

The 24-year-old had a breakout summer last season, not only making his Comets debut, but getting named the Futures League player of the year, as well as picking up the Solway Medal as the Comets best player.

He scored 314 runs at an average of 44.86 and took 14 wickets at just 19.43.

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It led to him earning a spot for Country alongside fellow Canberrans Nathan Lyon and Ryan Carters, as well as former Test bowler Trent Copeland and emerging Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood.

The City team is also packed with talent, including Smith, Starc and Twenty20 internationals Steve O'Keefe and Ben Rohrer.

Dukoski considers it as a massive opportunity to impress NSW and other selectors.

"I can't move my hands ... I think cricket is my way out of work hopefully, that's my life goal to not work, and play sport," he said on Friday.

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ACT Comets' Vele Dukoski selected for NSW Country