Meet 14 of the state’s rising lawn bowls superstars set to fight for spots in the NSW squad
Many follow in their grandparents’ footsteps, and they all admire the modern day greats. Meet 14 of the state’s next generation of lawn bowlers competing for spots in the NSW Junior Blues.
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BOWLS NSW has named 40 of the state’s best rising stars who will fight for spots in the NSW Junior Blues squad.
Chosen from metropolitan clubs and regional locations extending to Nyngan in the west and Merimbula in the south, the squad is a continuation of the state’s long term pathways program.
“Many of our current Australian Jackaroos, including dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ellen Ryan are a product of our junior pathways program – and our I have no doubt that our current juniors have the potential to become world champions.” Bowls NSW CEO Tim Rowe explained.
Highlighting the sports broad appeal, the squad comprises bowlers representing 26 separate clubs with 25 members chosen from regional centres.
“Junior participation is a key priority for Bowls NSW, and the current talent within our Junior Representative Squad brilliantly showcases the accessibility of our sport,” said Rowe.
“Bowls can be played by people of all ages and abilities, and with events such as the Bowls Premier League now receiving mainstream media coverage, we’re able to promote our great sport to more people, more often.
“It’s fantastic to see such a high number of regional based players featured and reflects the popularity of bowls in the junior ranks across all areas of NSW.”
Squad members will be competing for places in the NSW Junior Blues side, where their next event will be the annual Test Series against Queensland, held between 3-5 July. From there, final sides will be selected for The Nationals to be held in Western Australia in October this year.
Meet 14 of the state’s best up-and-coming bowlers.
Tarnee Ingram (Manilla)
From the regional New England town of Manilla, Tarnee first took to the greens so her family could field a fours team in the local club championships. Now unable to shake the bowling bug, she’s inspired by Bowls Australia Hall of Famer, Karen Murphy.
Katie Astley (Glenbrook)
A visit to her then primary school by Comm Games silver medallist Sharyn Renshaw was enough to convince Katie. Now, with victories at several national events under her belt, the ultra competitive Glenbrook and Wallacia bowler loves nothing more than travelling away to compete.
Her favourite bowler is Ellen Ryan, and a personal letter form the dual Comm Games gold medallist has only intensified her desire to reach the top.
Bradley Rowley (Glenbrook)
One of three in the squad from Glenbrook, Bradley ditched his soccer boots after accompanying his father in a barefoot session at Wallacia.
A big fan of Aussie bowler Carl Healey, he enjoys meeting new people and perfecting his craft in the presence of elderly club members.
Ethan Scott-Branagan (Belrose)
Another fan of six-time world title winner Karen Murphy, Ethan has been rolling on the green since accompanying his grandfather as a three-year-old, and he enjoys meeting a wide variety of people of all ages.
Cooper Dart (Club Dubbo)
Inspired by Jackaroo Aaron Teys, Cooper is one of three rising Dubbo bowlers to make the squad.
Bowling became Cooper’s passion after he followed his pop on the greens. Now a circuit regular, he is grateful for the opportunity bowls has presented to forge long lasting friendships.
Chanel Chakouch (Cabramatta)
Chanel’s world changed four years ago after following in the footsteps of her grandad. Now the Karen Murphy fan can’t get enough and thrives in the social aspects, especially among her ‘bowls friends’.
Billy Waite (Cabramatta)
One of four from Sydney’s Cabra club, Billy is another who credits his pop for introducing him to the sport. And still to this day, his Mingara based grandfather remains his favourite bowler.
Jasmine Smith (St Johns Park)
Encouraged by her older sister Brianna and her coach Sharyn Renshaw, Jasmine’s career hasn’t turned back since she was nine years old. Now a regular fixture at junior events, she enjoys competing as much as she does making new friends.
Dustyn Allen (Wee Waa)
This Aaron Teys fan took up the game aged eight after accompanying his grandma to the greens. Now thriving in the state’s north west, Dustyn enjoys the mental and physical challenges that come with performing on a consistent basis.
Koby Kattau (Greta Workers)
Before he took a shine to world championship winner Aron Sheriff, Koby played footy. But a broken leg closed one door, and opened another at the Greta Workers Club. A fan of the sports low impact yet competitive nature, Koby also enjoys the travel and representing his club and school.
Ella Cameron (Gunnedah Services)
A keen admirer of Karen Murphy, Ella couldn’t resist joining everyone else in her family on the greens. Now rising through the ranks, the Gunnedah girl can’t get enough of meeting new people and calling them teammates.
Tim Thorning (Gunnedah Services)
Another from Gunnedah. The son of local bowling legend Scott Thorning, Tim was destined to chase the jack. Gifted a set of bowls from his aunty at the age of two, by his eighth birthday he was playing pennants.
Feeling blessed to be playing with a couple of generations of his family, Tim not only loves the game, but the excuse it provides to dodge his mum and aunty, and the possibility of impending trouble.
Travis Moran (Warilla)
A third generation bowler, Travis enjoys the skills of long time Aussie legend Barrie Lester. As he develops new friendships across the country, he enjoys playing with and against the best in the sport who have represented their country.
Reese Finn-Young (Merimbula)
Reese’s development began after she surprised herself at several Merimbula trial days. Another who looks up to Ellen Ryan, she says former international Michael Wilks has taught her the most.
Hooked by the unpredictability, Reese enjoys the fact that each shot can completely change the game.
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