Sutherland have confirmed former Australian captain Steve Smith will play for the club during the 2018-19 season.
Cricket Australia banned the 28-year-old from international and domestic cricket for one year and from holding a leadership position for two years for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
But Smith will be able to play grade cricket and is required to complete 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket. A Sutherland junior, Smith was expected to link with the club after Sutherland president Mathew Duff confirmed in late March they were keen to have Smith on board.
Sutherland treasurer Tom Iceton confirmed contact had been made with Smith and he would be lining up for the Sharks – alongside former Test all-rounder Shane Watson – this Sydney Grade Cricket season.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Smithy back playing with us,” Iceton said.
“It’s going to be exciting for our players throughout the grades, particularly first grade. Our younger guys, Austin Waugh for example, it’ll be a great opportunity for them. They want to get to the next level and will have the chance to learn from a bloke like Steve.
“I’ve spoken to his father. We’re not in any doubt he’ll be playing with us.
“I’m sure he’ll be involved in a lot of stuff with the club and our juniors. We’re looking forward to having him involved.”
Smith has been completing his own fitness training since returning from a six-week holiday to the United States.
He will return to North America for the Global T20 Canada League later this month where he will be a marquee player. Smith will donate his playing fee to grassroots cricket programs in Australia and Canada.
Smith will be joined by international stars including Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Shahid Afridi, Darren Sammy, Lasith Malinga, Sunil Narine, David Miller and Dwayne Bravo for the month-long tournament with six teams representing five Canadian cities.
Sutherland hope Smith will join the club for pre-season training on his return.
Meanwhile, Watson has proved he still has what it takes to compete at the elite level after finishing his season last week.
Watson smashed 117 not out from just 57 balls – including 11 fours and eight sixes – as he led the Chennai Super Kings to their third Indian Premier League title.
Since the first match of the 2017-18 Sydney Grade Cricket season where he made a first ball duck for Sutherland against Campbelltown, Watson has hit 108 sixes from 1156 balls.