A host of experienced campaigners will line up for Illawarra in this week's Creighton Cup, a key selection trial for November's Country Championships.

Greater Illawarra Zone finished last year's tournament in second place, falling to Newcastle in the final.

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Fleming credits that result for motivating the region's top players to chase a Country Championships title.

"It's a really good team," Fleming said. "There are a few people unavailable, but I was surprised by how good the team is. All the players we wanted put their hand up and are willing to play.

"I think it's a flow-on effect from how we played in the Country Championships last year. People want to get on board now and test themselves against a better level of cricket.

"Hopefully it's a sign of things to come and we are able to keep building in the next couple of years."

Illawarra are defending champions, taking out the 2019 edition in a rain-affected tournament.

While wet weather is predicted again this weekend, the side is slated to face Shoalhaven in Saturday's semi-final, with South Coast to take on Highlands. The two winners will contest Sunday's final at Figtree Oval.

The Illawarra side features a mix of youth and experience, Mitchell Hearn, Rhys Voysey and Joe McDevitt all named. Youngsters Hugo Ikeda and Andy Magennis are likely to receive valuable representative experience.

For Fleming the goal is to help every player in his squad make a claim for Greater Illawarra selection.

"The best club performers from last year are all playing. We've also taken the the opportunity to blood some young players as well. There's no point playing these games if you can't give younger guys a shot.

"Our goal is to win and win convincingly. We want these Illawarra guys to put their best foot forward to play in the Greater Illawarra side.

"The better we do, the more players have the chance to be selected in that side."

As the biggest association in the wider zone, the Illawarra side regularly enjoys success at this level.

Fleming is determined to ensure that continues this weekend, but he's cautious of a talented South Coast team featuring Kerrod White, Ryan Maguire and Brett Gilly.

"The competition is strong," Fleming said. "We're not writing off South Coast, they have some great cricketers and a strong team.

"If I was neutral, I'd say they'd be favourites. They've picked their best players, so if they all play this weekend they will be tough to beat."

Jamie FLEMING (c), Tane NUNN, Aryn KORNBERGER, Joe MCDEVITT, Amit BALGI, Mitchell HEARN, Andrew PAGE, Zac CHURCHILL, Rhys VOYSEY, Xavier MCDEVITT, Eric DENHARTOG, Andy MAGENNIS, Jono FOWLES, Hugo IKEDA.

Brynley RICHARDS (c), Alex BROWN, Corey EVANS, BJ GAMBLE, Brett GILLY, Kieran GILLY, Nathan HORE, Kayne GROVE, Ryan MAGUIRE, Ryan SMITH, Mark ULCIGRAI, Brendan WHITE, Kerrod WHITE.