Dent will call on the experience of Daniel Collinson, Alex Seamer, and 20 and 21-year-old veterans Trent Park and Liam Neild to blend with an exciting bunch of young guns, most of whom are still in their teens.

Park who has been in tremendous form with the bat, including back-to-back innings of 146 and 199 not out, is an important addition to the squad with his ability to turn a game around in a matter of overs.

The selectors' faith in youth has paid dividends with Maitland going through the series unbeaten.

Maitland is the reigning title holder, after beating Upper Hunter in last year's final. They will be chasing back-to-back titles and their 29^th title overall in the competition.

Newcastle C&S progressed to the final on run rates and averages after finishing equal on points with Upper Hunter.

They have won the John Bull Shield title three times before, the last time was in 2005-2006.

Dent has an abundance of versatility to call on with eight bowling options at his disposal and a batting order which goes down to No.10.

The two teams' preliminary round match was washed out. In their most recent game, Maitland smashed Upper Hunter by nine wickets after dismissing them for 55 off 26 overs.

Maitland XI: 1 Ricky Dent; 2 Shannon Threlfo; 3 Daniel Collinson; 4 Liam Neild; 5 Caleb Daskalovski; 6 Will Stoneman; 7 Cameron Wynn; 8 Alex Lidbury; 9 Braydon Brooks; 10 Trent Park; and 11 Alex Seamer.

The junior IDCA representative competition continues on Sunday after being washed out last weekend.

Under-16 Parramatta v Maitland at Monty Bennett Oval

Under 15: NWS Hurricanes v Maitland at Charles McLaughlin Reserve

Under 14: Parramatta v Maitland at Binalong Park

Under 13: Maitland v Parramatta, King Park 3

Under 12: Parramatta v Maitland at Eric Mobbs Reserve