Jesse Noronha announces international retirement
Jesse Noronha has announced his retirement from international bowls effective immediately, having represented the Right at Home Jackaroos on 79 occasions.
Making his debut in England at the end of 2018, Noronha has been a member of the squad since, but reveals that the time to depart feels right, as he looks to spend more time with his growing family.
The New South Welshman says that after recently welcoming a third child into the world, he wants to be there to watch his young ones grow alongside wife Taigan.
“I guess it’s been in the back of my mind ever since we fell pregnant with the last baby around Christmas time last year,” Noronha said.
“She’s about six weeks old now and I think it’s time to spend more time with the family.
“It was never going to be an easy call giving up something you love and playing for Australia is one of the best things you could ever possibly do, it’s always been a privilege to wear the green and gold.
“But with the eldest at four years old it’s going to be nice to have more time at home.”
Noronha has adored the past five years donning the green and gold regalia, which has seen him travel the world, his final match being the men’s fours gold at the 2023 Multi-Nations in March.
The 32-year-old admits that walking out as a Jackaroo for the first time was immensely nerve wracking, but making his debut alongside some great friends helped settle the anxiety, as did sending some bowls down.
“It was in 2018 over in Birmingham as part of a UK tour and I made my debut alongside Ben Twist, which was amazing to play my first game with a mate,” he said.
“I also had Corey Wedlock, Aaron Teys and Aaron Wilson there as well, so to play my first match on that tour was awesome.
“I was absolutely packing it, being on foreign territory and not playing on those sorts of greens before was daunting.
“But once I threw my first bowls down for Australia, all the nerves just disappeared.”
When it comes to international highlights, Noronha finds it difficult to pinpoint just one moment, labelling being able to represent the country as the biggest honour of them all.
“There has been plenty of highlights but I think wearing the green and gold in itself is probably the biggest honour,” he said.
“Receiving that cap number was an amazing feeling, and I think that probably stands out the most.
“Winning medals for your country is unbelievable but just wearing the Australian uniform is something else.”
In terms of influences, the Cabramatta product has been blessed to have a plethora across his career and not just from a bowls sense, but from a personal standpoint as well.
He notes that his clubs have also left a special mark on his progression up the ranks within the national setup.
“The family has been a huge influence on my career, obviously mum and dad, my wife and brother; they have just been a really big part of it,” he said.
“Warilla has been a big part of my career as I spent eleven years there.
“They were my kickstarter into a higher grade as I moved into zone, state and Australian sides before moving to Cabramatta where I have spent the last few years and it has been awesome.”
Australia is lucky to have some of the greatest bowls minds on the planet and that fact is not lost on Noronha, who has been a sponge absorbing their knowledge and wisdom.
Whether that has been at club or national level, he counts himself as extremely fortunate.
“Gary Willis and Steve Glasson have been a massive part of my career from a Jackaroos standpoint,” he said.
“They’re awesome coaches to have had, both of them are so laid back, relaxed and professional about every detail.
“They help out massively behind the scenes when you’re on tour travelling, and you could be honest about anything while also being assured that they were always truthful and honest with us as well.
“Leif Selby was one of my biggest influences when I was at Warilla, as was Jeremy Henry.
“They both helped me go a long way to succeeding at the highest level and I was able to pick their brains as they had been there and done that on the big stage; having them as mentors made things a lot easier.”
The future is all revolved around his growing family, wanting to be there with his wife to watch his three children of Jace, Dusty and Valley grow up.
“I’ll probably look at moving clubs a little bit closer to home to try and be closer to the family with less travel time,” Noronha said.
“It’s about watching the kids grow up and being more involved.”
A plethora of figures have been a part of the career of Jesse Noronha, and he appreciates the contribution of each and every one of them.
“Again, I want to thank my mum, dad, step dad and siblings.
“My wife and kids, who I can’t wait to spend more time with, I can’t thank them enough for inspiring me to have gone and done what I love,” he added.
“Obviously the Jackaroos, they have been a massive part of my journey and the team is a second family when you are away and I wish them all the best in all of the major events in the future.
“I wish to thank Albion Park Bowling Club, because that’s where I first started playing, Warrilla Bowling Club and Cabramatta Bowling Club for all of the support that each has given me.”
Bowls Australia congratulates and applauds Jesse Noronha on a magnificent international career.
