Ricky Damiano signs as marquee player for Greenvale Kangaroos in Super Slam

STAR Brighton Sub-District batsman and captain Ricky Damiano is making a surprise return to Premier Cricket, joining Greenvale Kangaroos as a marquee player for the inaugural Super Slam.

Ricky Damiano is making a surprise return to Premier Cricket. Picture: Richard Serong

STAR Brighton Sub-District batsman and captain Ricky Damiano is making a surprise return to Premier Cricket, joining Greenvale Kangaroos as a marquee player for the inaugural Super Slam.

The Kangaroos sounded out Damiano, 31, on Monday and he quickly agreed to link with them for the tournament.

The right-hander, a former Dandenong and Frankston-Peninsula wicketkeeper-batsman, said he was taken aback to receive a phone call from Greenvale director of cricket Peter Di Venuto but quickly warmed to the idea of playing in the first Super Slam.

RELATED:

Premier Cricket: Englishman adds to Essendon’s batting stocks

Superslam T20: Ryan Sidebottom joins Greenvale Kangaroos

Casey South Melbourne will blood two new players in Saturday’s first round of Premier Cricket

“I obviously love cricket and any extra you can play is a bit of fun so I thought, yeah, why not,’’ he said.

“I’ve been out of the game (Premier Cricket) for a fair while. It will be nice to go back and see how I fare.

“I didn’t know much about it (the tournament) to be honest, in terms of how it was structured. I just assumed it was the Premier teams playing. I had no idea you could get players from outside your club to play. I’ve studied it a bit more since then.’’

Asked if he knew where Greenvale Kangaroos played, he replied: “No, I’ve got no idea. I had a look last night. It’s a bit of a journey.’’

Former Carlton quickie Ryan Sidebottom is joining Greenvale for the Super Slam. Picture: Angie Basdekis

Damiano joined Caulfield after leaving Frankston Peninsula and hit a club-record 10 centuries for the Fielders. He joined Brighton in 2016-17.

Greenvale is intent on assembling a strong squad for the Super Slam, signing Tasmanian batsman Beau Webster, WA pace bowler Simon Branston and English County cricket and ex-Carlton quickie Ryan Sidebottom to their Super Slam squad.

GREENVALE KANGAROOS SIGN TASSIE BATSMAN BEAU WEBSTER

FORMER IRISH CAPTAIN BOLSTERS GREENVALE’S COACHING PANEL

ROOS STUNG BY DEPARTURES OF PROMISING PREMIER TALENTS

Di Venuto said Damiano had been a “terrific’’ Sub-District player and would add “some much-needed experience and competitiveness to our squad’’.

“We’re delighted he said yes,’’ he said.

“Once he finds out where Greenvale is, he will arrive to find the best training facilities in the competition. The investment by Hume City Council should be applauded.’’

The first Super Slam #01 matches will be staged on Sunday, November 25.