Former Australian and New South Wales Blues’ batsman Peter Forrest will return to McDonald’s NSW Premier Cricket next season after his appointment as Joint Head Coach and First Grade Captain of the Hawkesbury Cricket Club.

Forrest will end his more than six-year association with the Queensland Bulls at the end of the season to take on the dual role.

The former Hawkesbury junior and Premier club cricketer will captain the Hawks in season 2018-19 and take on the role of Joint Head Coach alongside Charles Matthews for the next two campaigns ending in 2019-20.

Upon moving back to Sydney, Forrest said he was keen to resume his relationship with Hawkesbury and make a strong contribution to the club where he played 156 games and scored over 5,000 runs since debuting in the AW Green Shield during season 2000/01.

“It’s a great time to come back to the club that has given me so much”, Forrest said.

“I’ve always wanted to give back in some way and when this opportunity came up it was the perfect time. I’m excited about where the Club is going and I can’t wait to get started.”

Forrest played 15 One Day Internationals for Australia and posted 368 runs at 26.28. His highest score was 104 against Sri Lanka at Blundstone Arena.

Before making the move north in 2011, the compact top order batsman played 28 matches for the Blues recording 1,530 runs at 33.26.

A tremendous knock of 177 that he made for the Blues against Tasmania at the SCG in November 2007 remains his highest First-Class score.

Forrest featured in 43 matches for Queensland and scored 2,417 runs at an average of 35.54. He also played 32 matches in the Big Bash League for both the Brisbane Heat and NSW.

Hawkesbury President Richard Timbs said the club was thrilled Forrest had decided to return to his grass roots to guide its development.

“It is a rare opportunity for Premier cricketers to play and train alongside a former International cricketer.”

“This is a real feel-good story and great news for the Hawkesbury cricket community.”

Timbs also acknowledged the efforts of current Head Coach and Coaching Director Neil D’Costa, who finishes his tenure with the Hawks at the end of this season.