State Rookies

What is the Rookies?

The Rookies is the ideal competition for new lawn bowlers looking to test their skills and compete for a State title. Played in two exciting formats—Singles and Pairs—it’s open to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect starting point for aspiring bowlers! If you started bowling in the last two years, this could be for you!

In 2024, over 600 players competed in the Rookie Singles qualifiers, and 347 teams entered the Rookie Pairs qualifiers. From young to old, the Rookies is a competition that brings together participants of all ages and backgrounds!

How does it work?

Format:

Rookies is played in two formats:

Singles

Pairs

Qualifying event:

Players will first compete in a regional qualifier, where the top 32 Singles players and 32 Pairs teams will secure their spot in the State Finals.

Eligibility:

To participate in the 2025/26 Rookies, you must not have been a bowling member of any club before 1 April 2023. See the full Eligibility criteria below.

Event dates

Rookies Singles Qualifying: 9 & 10 August 2025

Rookies Pairs Qualifying: 27 & 28 September 2025

Rookies Singles & Pairs State Finals: 20 – 23 November 2025

Enter here

Entries are open and will close Wednesday July 9th (Singles) and Tuesday August 19th (Pairs)

Rookie Singles Entry Fee – $26

Rookie Pairs Entry Fee Per Team – $52

2024/25 Results

Click here to view the full results

Eligibility

Players must not have been a bowling member of a club (anywhere in the World) before 1 April 2023 and must not have played in more than one year of Rookies Competitions in previous years. (May have played in one year only of Rookies in 2023-24 or 2024-25).

Previous State Winners are ineligible to enter in that discipline.

Singles Players & Pairs Teams must enter qualifying within their own Region.

State Finals Host Venue

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