Trent Copeland is "hurting" after opting out of NSW's crucial Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia this week to take up a television commentary role instead.
Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones says the organisation fully supports Copeland's decision to join the Seven Network as a bowling analyst during Australia's first Test against India in Adelaide.
The 32-year-old seamer is NSW's leading wicket taker this season with 23 scalps and a major player in the Blues' rise to second on the ladder.
He would have been particularly handy against the Redbacks given the Blues are already without their entire Test attack, with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon on national duty.
"Look, it's a tough one but Copes is the one hurting the most, I know," teammate Kurtis Patterson said on Wednesday.
"But we're all supportive of him.
"It's a great opportunity for him, one of those incredibly rare moments which you probably have to take it because if you miss it, you might not get the chance again.
"So all the boys are fine. We're all looking forward to trying to get the best performance against South Australia.
The Blues enter the SCG showdown starting on Friday after two straight wins and with the chance to consolidate their position on the ladder.
"It's crucial," Patterson said.
"Last game heading into the Big Bash, two wins in a row, we've really got some momentum now which we probably haven't had for 18 months now.
"So the boys are flying, everyone's in a good head space and we're looking forward to getting out, especially on our home ground, and hopefully getting six points."
Patterson's first-innings century helped NSW to a rare win in Western Australia last start and the 25-year-old admitted the knock proved somewhat of a mental breakthrough too.
"It's definitely a monkey off my back. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't," he said.
"There's obviously been a little bit said so it was nice just to be able to go out there and actually put in a match-winning performance for my team.
"It was something I'd lacked, to be honest, so it was a good feeling."
