The development program brings together the top 15-17 year olds from across the country, with Zahra-Smith set to attend a number of training days in Sydney throughout the next year.

Recent graduates of the program include Sydney Thunder signing Tanveer Sangha and Jack Edwards.

For Zahra-Smith, the most appealing aspect of selection will be the opportunity to work with former Test opener Rogers.

"I was pretty surprised to be selected, it's a huge honour," Zahra-Smith said.

"It's very exciting to work with Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers. Especially since I'm a left-handed bat, so to have Chris as the head coach is going to be excellent."

Zahra-Smith has emerged as one of the region's brightest young cricketers, the 17-year-old a mainstay in NSW Country representative teams in recent years.

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He has thrived for Dapto in the Cricket Illawarra first grade competition, gaining selection in the Greater Illawarra Country Championships team. Unfortunately he was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Now fully healthy, Zahra-Smith is looking forward to helping Dapto push for a finals finish.

"My goals for the season are to hopefully win the competition with Dapto and get among the runs and wickets."

Zahra-Smith is also playing in Sydney for the Campbelltown Poidevin-Gray Shield team on Sundays.

While he loves representing his junior club, he concedes there will come a time when he is forced to step up to Sydney grade cricket, with the Ghosts the ideal club.

"Dapto have looked after me really well, but in the next couple of years I'll be looking to move up to Sydney. I play PGs for Campbelltown, so they're the team I'll probably play for."

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