The star duo signed autographs and posed for photographs with aspiring players, who were ­gathered at the indoor centre for school representative trials.

Seeing the youngsters showing their skills in the hope of selection brought back memories for Henriques, who has gone on to play for Australia in all three formats. 

“It was the same story for us,” the 28-year-old all-rounder and Sydney Sixers captain said.

“We were going through the same emotions at under-11 trials.”

Cowan, who has returned to his home state of NSW this summer after a stint in Tasmania, said the annual country blitz was an important part of the cricket calendar.

“For generations NSW cricket has been bolstered by country ­players,” the 33-year-old former Test opener said.

“When country cricket is strong it means NSW cricket is strong, and when NSW cricket is strong it means Australian cricket is strong, so it’s pretty important to get out and visit these areas.”

It wasn’t the first time that Cowan and Henriques had ­travelled to the region.

Cowan recalled an interstate Twenty20 fixture played at No.1 Sportsground in 2007 featuring rugby league immortal Andrew Johns, while Henriques once graced Robins Oval.

“We played a [Sheffield] Shield game in Newcastle last season, but I actually played my first ever state primary school carnival at Maitland Park,” Henriques said.

Looking ahead to 2015-2016 and both Cowan and Henriques will join forces for the Blues in the upcoming domestic season.

“I’m definitely ready to go and I think we have a really strong squad,” Henriques said.

“We have Ed [Cowan] back to give us a bit more experience and we also have some of the fittest rookies I have ever seen come through.”

Cowan said his sights were set on scoring runs and securing ­silverware in his return summer to the SCG.

“I’ve come back in a different role now as one of the senior players,’ he said.

“I want to score lots of runs and help contribute to NSW winning plenty of silverware.”

The domestic one-day competition launches on October 5.