The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman and former state under-19 captain joined the Knights toward the end of last season after moving to Launceston from Hobart to take an exercise science degree at the University of Tasmania.

He is the only Northern-based player selected for the team.

Philip said he was surprised by his selection but said he was looking forward to the trip.

``It was pretty unexpected because I haven't had the best of seasons up here this year,'' Philip said.

``I think what I did in the state under-19s helped me get picked but it should be a good experience.''

The Tasmanian second XI team leaves for New Zealand on Australia Day and will play two two-day matches and two one-dayers against state sides in Dunedin and Christchurch.

Philip made his first-grade debut as a 14-year-old with Glenorchy and was a state representative at under-15, under-17 and under-19 level.

He played Tasmanian Futures League (under-23) for three years from 2009-11.

He was selected in the NTCA team of the year last season despite only playing six games with South Launceston, scoring two centuries.

``It's been great playing with South and everyone at the club has been very welcoming,'' Philip said.

``I've been getting a lot of starts this season but not going on with it to score really big runs.''

Philip said after he completed his university degree, he planned to return to Hobart with the aim of breaking into the Tassie Tigers side.