Australian players Phil Jaques, Steve Smith and state player Nic Maddinson are set to turn out for Sutherland against Eastern Suburbs at Waverley Oval

But Watson’s impending inclusion is perhaps the most significant with the match to signal his club debut since joining in 2009-10.

Watson has not played any form of cricket with hamstring/calf problems since playing for Australia against South Africa in Johannesburg in November and Australian coach Mickey Arthur openly declared he wanted his charge to prove his fitness in grade cricket before considering him for higher duties.

Sutherland official Tom Iceton said Watson was likely to play. ‘‘As long as he comes through training tonight he’ll play,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re hoping all four will be available for selection.’’

Watson was close to making his return — as a batsman only — in day one of Sutherland’s two-day clash against Easts last Saturday.

Wet weather washed out any chance of play with the match now 50 overs per innings.

It is expected Watson would open the batting alongside either Maddinson or Sutherland skipper Jaques with Smith to bat at No.3.

‘‘He likes to open for Australia so you’d think he’d open for us,’’ Iceton said.

‘‘With his commitments to NSW and Australia he hasn’t had much involvement with us on the field but he’s always been most willing to help with anything we ask him to.’’

Watson needs to play if he has any hope of securing a place in Australia’s One-Day squad for the rest of the tri-series against India and Sri Lanka.

Australian selectors named a 14-man squad for the opening three matches of the tournament with a revised squad to be picked following the match against India on Sunday.

If Watson, Jaques and Smith all play it will be the first time Sutherland have had three Test players in one squad.