Sullivan, a club junior, last played for Wingham in 1997 as an under 18. He was also a member of the club’s premiership winning first grade squad that year.

He had a season at Taree City with his elder brother, Scott in 1998 before heading to the NRL, where he played with the Northern Eagles, Cronulla and Canterbury, while he also had a stint in the English Super League.

A hooker or halfback, Sullivan then went to Group 10 as a captain-coach of Orange CYMS, where he has won five premierships since 2010.

“This is a huge coup for us,’’ Wingham president Craig Martin said.

“It’s probably the biggest signing the club has made since Darryl Palmer back in 1980.’’

Martin understands Sullivan will be living in the Newcastle area but is happy to travel here to fulfill his coaching duties. He confirmed that Sullivan will be a player-coach.

“He’s still the best player in Group 10 and that’s a lot stronger than here,’’ Martin added.

He stressed that current captain-coach Danny Russell has been informed of negotiations with Sullivan. Russell is in his first season with the club after previously playing in Group Three with Old Bar.

“Danny’s super keen to stay here next year as a player,’’ Martin added.

Martin said Sullivan wants to finish his career where it started at his home town.

“We’re happy to have him back,’’ he smiled.