Return: David Dawson will captain the ACT Comets in their Futures League match against Queensland, starting Monday, at Manuka Oval.

ACT Comets captain David Dawson moved to Tasmania to get his crack in the first-class arena.

But he could have progressed through the NSW system if the partnership between Cricket ACT and Cricket NSW was in place when he was coming through the ranks.

Now 32, Dawson will play for the Comets for the first time in more than 10 years when he leads the side in its opening Futures League match of the season against the Queensland second XI, starting on Monday at Manuka Oval.

Dawson is one of six players from the Sydney grade competition - five of whom hail from country NSW - who will join the remaining Canberra-based contingent in the Comets team.

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It is part of Cricket ACT forming a partnership with Cricket NSW, fielding joint teams in the juniors from under-12s to under-19s and sharing resources to best identify outstanding talent.

After having come through the ranks with the Comets and Ginninderra, Dawson moved to Tasmania when he was 20 for more opportunitiesbefore relocating to Sydney in 2009.

Dawson said the new partnership between Cricket ACT and Cricket NSW would provide an easier avenue for Canberra cricketers.

"It's a direct pathway now for Canberra guys to get selected in the NSW Shield and one-day teams," Dawson said.

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David Dawson returns to Canberra to captain ACT Comets against Queensland