Sam Konstas, St George: Sutherland pickpocket local rivals

He’s the young Sydney batting genius breaking all the records, now he’s just broken the heart of St George Cricket Club.

For those in cricketing circles, Sam Konstas’ rise through the ranks is no surprise.

At just 16, some even believe the prodigious St George right-hander should be padding up in Sydney’s top grade.

It made sense to the selectors at Sutherland who, with the offer of a permanent spot in the club’s Premier Cricket first grade side, have just landed one of the off season’s best trades.

It’s a story of one boy’s ambition and the quest for opportunity.

Having dominated the city’s best under-16 bowlers in the Green Shield for four seasons, Konstas now holds the record for most runs in the competition‘s history.

And last season he stepped up again, scoring 103 for St George second grade to round out an amazing summer which included 1139 runs at an average of 76 across all grades.

Sam Konstas of St George acknowledges his half century during the grand final of the AW Green Shield match between St George DCC and Northern Districts DCC at Hurstville Oval on January 27, 2022 in Hurstville. Photo by Jeremy Ng

With the runs came the accolades.

Now aligned to T20 Stars - the gear brand owned by ex-Aussie all-rounder, Shane Watson - Konstas continues to raise the bar.

But why jump ship? Even if it means proving yourself in second grade.

According to Tom Iceton, Sutherland Cricket Club treasurer, it was nothing more than circumstantial.

“Shane Watson was the major factor, he thought that Sam was ready for the top grade,” he said.

Watson finished his club career at Sutherland and his son attends Cranbrook, the same school as Konstas.

“Saturday sport is compulsory at Cranbrook, unless, like in Sam’s case, he is selected to play first grade,” Iceton said.

“His coach at Cranbrook also recognised Sam had outgrown anything school cricket could offer - his last five innings were 51, 100 not out, 202 not out, 94 and 109.

Captain of St George Sam Konstas of St George speaks at the presentation during the grand final of the AW Green Shield match between St George DCC and Northern Districts DCC at Hurstville Oval. Photo by Jeremy Ng

“Our opening batsman Chris Williams retired in the off-season so a spot became available. Shane approached the Sutherland chairman of selectors and agreement was reached to offer Sam a first grade spot.”

And the inevitable whispers that the trade is part of a T20 Stars endorsement?

“Sam coming to Sutherland isn’t conditional on the deal with T20 Stars - it’s about an opportunity that St George weren’t ready to provide,” Iceton said.

“He made the decision after talking through the details with St George.”

For Sutherland, who finished last season in 16th spot, Konstas’ signature could well be the catch of the summer.