ND coach Grant Bradburn tried to hose down speculation that Watling was requested to take the gloves by Black Caps' management so they could see the 26-year-old in action.
"No, not at all. We just feel that BJ's got those skills and could do that job at a higher level and we just want to give him that opportunity to show the New Zealand selectors the quality keeper he is,'' Bradburn said.
"We feel we've got two quality keepers in our midst. Obviously Pete McGlashan has had the gloves and is a proven performer behind the stumps. But we do feel that BJ's got the opportunity to force his way in to the next level with the gloves and we are about winning trophies and producing Black Caps. So we wanted to give him that opportunity and it's not the first time we've given him an opportunity. But I guess it's tough for BJ because he's got such a quality keeper in Peter ahead of him. But when the opportunity presents itself we want to promote both of them.''
Watling travelled to Australia for last month's tour but was unused in either test match; in six tests as a specialist batsman, where he has predominantly been used as an opener, he only averages 24.5 with a top-score of 60 not out against Pakistan.
Young holds a test average of 24.14 from five tests since his debut last year, following Brendon McCullum's decision to give up the gloves in the longer form of the game.
The timing was certainly convenient though, today's game marked the first time during the HRV Cup campaign that Watling was picked to wicketkeep.
He took a sharp catch early on from the bowling of left-arm seamer Trent Boult, but Watling's day was blotted slightly when he dropped a skied catch late in the game.
It didn't change the outcome of the match, but wouldn't have given Wright any reason to put a line through Young's name if the national coach was watching.
After winning the toss and batting first Northern made 162-7 from their 20 overs thanks to 53 from Kane Williamson and 29 from McGlashan.
Ironically, Watling wasn't required with the willow as he was pushed further down the order during Northern's innings and McGlashan was the wicketkeeper-batsman who stood out.
He dispatched Mark Gillespie for three sixes and a four during the final over of ND's innings with some audacious stroke play.
Wellington then became the first team of the HRV Cup campaign to be ruled out of contention to make the final as they were rolled for 128 in the 19th over.
ND's next match is against Central Districts at McLean Park on Saturday, while Wellington meet Canterbury in Christchurch on Sunday.
