Collins formed part of the Australian over 55s side that downed the Kiwis in the final game of a best-of-three draw. 

The first game went to a 2-2 draw before New Zealand claimed game two 1-0. 

“We had to beat them by 2-nil or more in that last game and we handily downed them 3-0 to win the medal,” Collins said. 

He said competition wasn’t markedly different than against fellow Aussies at Nationals, but did say it was “certainly a step up in skill and particularly intensity”.

It’s been a long-time aspiration to make the Aussie squad for Collins and still the part etched into his mind is pulling on the green and gold for the first time. 

“That might have been the best part, pulling on the full uniform and then being there in the sheds in the whole kit with the rest of the team,” Collins said. 

“And to run out in that green and gold the first time was very exciting.”

He said he couldn’t pick any particular plays or moments on the field as so much came down to “muscle memory and instincts”, but he did get the chance to revel in the moment off the field. 

“When you finished, you come off and think ‘Geez, I just played for Australia’,” he said with a laugh. 

He said there were a few pre-game nerves, but that was normal. 

“You get a few nerves even in a club game – I think if you don’t, then you’re not putting enough into it.”

Run in conjunction with women’s games and almost a dozen age groups, Collins said there were hundreds of competitors, but was stunned by the immense crowds who turned out – especially the number of Australian’s who flew over to back our teams. 

“It was amazing to see the actual number of people who traveled,” he said. 

Bega’s Leigh Rogers also took part in the women’s contest, but didn’t have as much luck, going down to the hosts. 

However, Collins said teams battled not just for their own medal, but as part of a tournament-wide tally for the Trans Tasman medal. 

“Your team earns points towards the overall Trans Tasman trophy, but it was very tight and very evenly matched.”

Collins said the trophy had been in Australian hands “pretty regularly” in the last couple of years, but in a show of how close play was – it was only decided in the final two games of play.

And with a taste of international play, it’s safe to say Collins has the bug to chase national selection again. 

“At the moment it’s back to club games, I’m travelling up each week to play in Canberra, but the next big thing will be looking at Nationals in Hobart in September-October,” he said. 

“I’m definitely putting my hand up to play for Australia again.”

More on the Trans Tasman in Friday’s BDN.