Being two of nine players with international experience, the pair will link with the likes of Ed Cowan, Doug Bollinger and captain Moises Henriques in the pursuit of ending nearly a decade without silverware.
Despite naming an ominous squad of former and current international cricketers, the Blues have also named a number of future stars within their ranks.
Josh Hazlewood insists this combination is a recipe for success.
“I think a mix of youth and experience is always key and you always try and make that in your squads,” Hazlewood said.
“It’s going to be good to have Shane (Watson) back… not only to have him in the team but to have him talk to those young guys and to put them through their paces.
“He’s obviously had a pretty good career to date so it will be invaluable for those young guys to be talking to him and learn off him.”
Coming off a disappointing Ashes loss mixed with injury, Hazlewood says both him and Watson are ready to bounce back in the Matador domestic cup, especially with new coach Trent Johnston at the helm.
“He’s (Johnston) got a lot of respect from the guys and he’s been around for a while now so he’s very good,” he said.
“I’m still only 24 but I’ve been in the squad for seven years now so I do feel like one of the senior guys.
“But as I said with having Shane back it’ll be vital for us… hopefully he can stamp his authority and get us going.”
Unfortunately for Watto’ it is unlikely DRS will be used in the competition.
NSW Squad: Moises Henriques (C), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Ed Cowan, Chris Green, Ryan Gibson, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Lalor, Nic Maddinson, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Gurinder Sandhu, Shane Watson.