``I was actually really shocked I was selected in the team,'' Thew, 19, who plays centre position, said.

``There were quite a few centre courts [positions] trying out as well so I really wasn't expecting to make it.

``It felt pretty good when I did.''

Thew has already started training with the state team and said the team should be well prepared by the championships in Adelaide from April 7-12.

``I'm really looking forward to it,'' she said.

``I have never been to Adelaide so it should be good.''

The NSW team are chasing yet another win after taking out the title last year.

``Hopefull,y we can do it again this year,'' Thew said.

``Most of us have played together before and we all know each other well which helps.''

Thew has been playing the sport since she was seven.

She played with Baulkham Hills Netball Association in her junior and representative years and is now in her second season with the Penrith division one A-League team.

``It's going really well,'' Thew said.

``I am happy with how I'm training and at nationals I hope to play really well, as a squad from that comp is chosen to go to the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) for training.

``From there, an Australian team is chosen.''

She said playing for the NSW Swifts was ``definitely'' one of her goals.