He will join 500 competitors from 18 nations in Sydney, from October 20-27, and forms part of the 72 member strong Australian Invictus Games Squad.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport competition for serving and former serving military personnel who've been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

Matthew has also been chosen as one of two Australian athletes who will have the chance to meet The Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they head down under for the Invictus Games.

“Recently I got an email to say that I was being invited to a party at Government House to watch the sailing with the prime minister and Prince Harry,” he said.

“I am one of only two Australians that have been asked and it will be great to have the chance to meet him and get a photo.

“We have also arranged to give him a little present – speedos with ‘Game on Down Under’ across the butt so hopefully it gets a laugh out of him.”

Undergoing his final preparations before he heads to Sydney on October 15 for a final training camp, he said the nerves have finally hit.

“It has been a long time coming with a lot of training and preparation, but now that it is almost here the nerves are coming as well,” Matthew said.

“The whole experience has been great so far and it is a very exciting time for me and very special that I get to share that with my wife and kids.

“They of course will be coming down to watch me compete and with the home side advantage hopefully all the Australians do well.”

Matthew joined the army as a rifleman in 2004 and was deployed overseas on peace keeping operations in 2006 and 2007. He was injured in East Timor in 2007 and medically discharged in 2008.

He sustained a spinal injury during operations to catch former Timorese rebel leader Alfredo Reinado.

“The squad going to the games was announced on June 18 on the steps of the Opera House in Sydney and it will be a special moment when I get to compete along side some of the friends I made when serving,” he said.

“We have all been on a different journey to get to the games but it will be great to get among the action and be apart of everything.

“Since August training has intensified up to two sessions a day and will only get more intense as we get closer the Invictus Games.”

Matthew was in Port Macquarie on Wednesday, October 4 accepting a cheque from the Westport Club to help assist in costs associated with going to Sydney.

“I have been blown away by the support from the wider Hastings community and to know that so many people will be cheering me on is so nice. Thanks also to the Westport Club for their support.”