2025/26 Rookie Singles & Pairs – Entries Now Open

Entries are now open for the 2025/26 Rookie Singles and Pairs Qualifying. Here’s everything you need to know about the competition.

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 is the event 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!

Am I Eligible to Play?

To participate in the 2025/26 Rookies, players:

Must not have been a bowling member of a club (anywhere in the World) before 1 April 2023;
and
Must not have previously played in more than one season in any discipline (Singles or Pairs) of Rookies Competitions. (i.e. may have played in one season only of Rookies in 2023/24 or 2024/25).

How Does it Work?

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.

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

Where Do We Play?

After entering the Rookies, you will be allocated to a qualifying venue within your Region – full Region lists with clubs can be found here. Bowls NSW will confirm qualifying venues after entries close. Qualifiers will progress to the State Finals which will be held at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club