Corless likened to Casey
Read about another rising star of Australian bowls, a level headed 17 year old from Victoria who dreams of one day representing Australia. After just nine years in the game Joshua Coreless represented Australia at the most recent Trans-Tasman in New Zealand as part of the five man development team, though it was 2013 at Traralgon when the Victorian young gun made his international debut in the Under 18 Trans-Tasman.
Now with two years of international experience in the junior ranks under his belt, Coreless has now set his sights on transitioning into the under 25 and open Victorian sides and has the long term goal to represent Australia.
As part of the VIC/TAS NTC Squad, Coach Mark Cowan has identified Corless as a future Australian representative and has even gone as far as comparing Coreless to one of Australia’s greats.
“Josh is a very level headed kid, he is a natural born leader which he demonstrated when he represented Australia and is both well liked and well respected by his peers,” says coach Cowan full of praise.
Josh’s ability to convert heads at the right pace is up there with the best; I believe he is as good as Mark Casey at playing these shots, and I know that’s a big call.”
Corless proved at the 2015 Australian Open that he has what it takes to perform on the big stage when he skipped his fours team to victory over the world’s best bowler Alex Marshall MBE in front of a packed crowd at Broadbeach; and although Corless stumbled before the finals, he was certainly pin pointed by many onlookers as a future star.
Corless is hungry for the 2016 Australian Open and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his young counterparts, the likes of Aaron Teys and Ellen Ryan, who etched their names in the history books when they claimed the coveted singles titles.
“I really enjoyed the high standard of bowls at this year’s Australian Open, even in sectional play there were some really intense games with close scores and this constantly kept spectators interested,” Corless recalled.
“I would like to go deeper into the event next year and hopefully better my efforts in each discipline.”
This talented 17 year old has had many opportunities to admire the skills of Australian Jackaroo Aron Sherriff and holds the three times International Bowler of the Year in very high regard.
“Aron Sherriff sets such a good example both on and off the green and is an extremely good role model, not only for myself but many young bowlers all around the world,” said the respectful young star.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of his favourite players, back in Victoria Corless says Bundoora RSL team mate Nick Mcintyre, a long serving Victorian representative, offer’s great advice and is a bowler he has learnt a lot from.
“Nick McIntyre is easy to relate to, take advice off and learn from not only as a bowler, but as a person as well,” Corless said.
A very humble 17 year old wanted to show appreciation for his coaches Mark Cowan and Ian Ewing, his sponsor Henselite and his supportive parents; all the ingredients for a great speech the next time Corless is back in the winner’s circle.
All signs are pointing towards Corless making his Victorian debut in the very near future and becoming a household name in Australian bowls.
