The Shepparton Golf star and coach — who has dominated the lawn bowls scene in this region over the past decade — admits he was surprised to get the call-up again after a number of years out of the system.
“It was a bit of a shock to be honest,” Orr said.
“I'm looking forward to getting back into the fold and having a crack. Last time I played for Victoria was probably four years ago.”
Orr was among the victorious regional outfit in Bowls Victoria's recent City v Country clash, and is looking forward to once again testing himself at a higher level.
“I thought I went okay in (the City v Country game) to be honest,” he said.
“I didn't have any expectations going into it. (It can be tough) when you're out of the mix to try and get back into the squad.
“I was just happy to be around all of those bowlers again and catch up with them.”
Orr, 30, will be taking on Tasmania in Burnie, playing second to Nathan Bush.
“Our standard (in the Goulburn Valley) is pretty good,” Orr said.
“But it's obviously going to be a step up when you're playing against state standard bowlers.
“(At 30) I'm probably pushing the tail-end of the (age bracket), there's a few older ones, but most are in their earlier to mid-20s.
“There's a couple of debutants in the squad and it will be great to be involved in that experience for them.”
Katamatite product Curt Hanley will play as a lead in Orr's rink, while Tatura-Hill Top's Olivia Cartwright has been selected in the women's and under-18 side.
The Victorian bowling community is especially excited for the Test series — which begins on July 16 — with new uniforms to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
“We’re rapt to see that Bowls Victoria has brought back the navy blue, with the most recognisable icon in state sport, the Big V,” state coach Ian Ewing told bowlsvic.org.au after those at the City v Country game were given a sneak-peek of the new design.
“I was really happy with the intent (in the contest), the way the players have taken to the new concept and the effort they all put in. Players’ actions speak volumes for how the event has been received.”
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