CLUB: Club Austral (The Eagles)
OCCUPATION: Insurance Broker / Account Manager - BCiB
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START PLAYING BOWLS? I started as a little kid (not sure what age) when I used to go and watch my late father (Bob) play on weekends. He was a Qld Interstate Player and Bowls was always in my blood and all these years later… it’s still in my blood.
AERO BOWLS USED: Optima and Dynamic
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO PLAY WITH AERO BOWLS? The Products (Bowls, Apparel and Accessories) are 1st Class and whilst I’m not the player I was, I love building positive, trusting relationships which is critical to me personally and I’m looking forward to a long partnership with AERO. Having recently switched clubs and now using AERO, I’m feeling revitalised and back to being super keen and enjoying my bowls so much again.
CAREER GOALS/ASPIRATIONS FOR THE SPORT: I want to continue to give back to the sport that has given me so much for so long. If I can help others, inspire new players, mentor rising stars and encourage the traditional players, then I’m a happy man. As above, I’m back to enjoying the game as well so life is great.
MOST ADMIRED PLAYER: There are so many but it’s hard to go past my old, clumsy mate Kelvin Kerkow OAM along with the Queen of the Greens, Karen Murphy. Whilst they are both iconic players, they are even better people who also do so much for our great game.
FAVOURITE GREENS: Nice smooth Tiff Dwarf Green (14 to 17 seconds). Back in the day I was quite fond of the Tweed Heads Bowls Club Indoor Green as well.
FAVOURITE QUOTE: Failing to Prepare is Preparing for Failure. (Or if I have a loss – Don’t get Bitter – Get Better).
What tips or advice would you offer fellow bowlers looking to improve their consistency and performance? Find a passionate coach who is invested in YOU. Be a sponge for information and always be on the look out and prepared to learn and improve. Surround yourself with the best people and most of all, enjoy the Bowls Journey – No Regrets!
OTHER HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Family – New Grand Daughter (Sophie) probably tops the pool at the moment. Ha ha. All sports especially watching my sons play Soccer.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- World Singles Champion
- World Singles Runner Up
- World Triples Runner Up
- World Team Champions
- World Indoor Singles R/U
- Former World No.1 Ranked Player (Approx 4/5 years)
- Numerous International Medals
- 9 Times Australian Indoor Singles Champion
- Over 20 Australian Titles
- Former Australian Number Ranked Player (Approx 8 Years)
- Over 200 Tournament/Title Wins
- Former National Coach (10 Years)
- Current Chair - Australian Selectors
- OAM Recipient
- Bowls Australia Hall of Fame Legend
- 400+ Games Representing Australia Officially
- Represented Rest of the World v UK (Twice)
- Father of 4 Boys and Grand Father of one Grand Daughter. (I’m really quite tired… he he he)