Gerick primed for 2023 Nationals
The Australian Under-18 Championships has provided invaluable experience for some of the sport’s finest players over the years, giving them a chance to thrive for their state as they forge their own careers that often lead to superstardom.
Queensland’s Riley Gerick will look to create his own path when he flies to Perth for the 2023 Nationals as the youngster strives to earn more gold in the under-18 field.
The 16-year-old clinched the boy’s title at the Australian Open in June after defeating his state teammate Samuel Collier in the decider, setting the tone for what could be a successful campaign in Western Australia.
Speaking on Bowls Australia’s (BA) ‘The Right Line’ podcast, Gerick is relishing the upcoming opportunity to don the maroon yet again.
“I’m pumped, super pumped actually,” he said.
“To get to represent Queensland yet again is amazing because it’s a great bunch of people, it’s going to be great over in Perth.
“It means a lot to get to play for my state, and to play against other quality states as well, it’s going to be a great time.”
While his confidence received a boost after winning winning on the Gold Coast in June, the Capalaba product is still wary of the calibre of opponents that he will face throughout the upcoming event at the Sorrento Bowling Club.
However, hoisting the Australian Open trophy is a day he won’t soon forget.
“It is a little bit of a boost, it’s obviously a big thing to win but there are a lot of quality juniors out there so all I’m going to do is get out there and give it a good crack,” Gerick said.
“It really meant a lot, for a week or so afterward it never sunk in, and I’ve still got the cheque at home that I always look at, it’s the same the medal there as well.
“I was in disbelief for a long time, it was just such a good game against Sam, I love Sam, we’ve known each other for many years, we’re good mates.
“It was all pretty surreal, it was awesome.”
Catch up on all of ‘The Right Line’ episodes via Apple, Spotify, Google or Anchor.
The 2023 Nationals will run from October 6-20, 2023, with live streaming to take place on Bowls Australia’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
The 2023 Nationals in Perth, Western Australia is proudly supported by Tourism Western Australia, City of Joondalup, and the State government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest in Western Australia. Sport and recreation creates vibrant, inclusive and connected WA communities.
