New lease on life for in-form Teys
Just over a year ago Aaron Teys was unsure about where his bowls career was heading, but fast forward to the culmination of 2023 and he has added a World Bowls Championships title to his name , as well as another Bowls Premier League (BPL) crown and MVP accolade.
The Warilla product joined Aron Sherriff with five BPL trophies, the most out of any competitors that have played the illustrious event, while also becoming just the second player after his Right at Home Jackaroos teammate to claim three MVP awards.
Speaking on Bowls Australia’s (BA) ‘The Right Line’ podcast, Teys reveals how special it is to be in such elite company, but that he thought winning his third individual gong at the tournament may have been a stretch.
“That’s pretty cool to think about, Aron Sherriff is regarded as the goat by many and his last couple of years have been absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
“He’s getting better and better with plenty left in him, so to say that I’ve equalled someone like him is really cool.
“I wasn’t expecting to win the MVP, but I thought I’d go close to making the All Star team because I didn’t have a bad week.”
It has been a mammoth year for the 29-year-old, who in September was crowned a World Champion for the first time in his career.
Following that, an Alley Shield title at The Nationals and his BPL heroics, the New South Welshman is relieved to be at such a high level as he reveals that his confidence was floundering early in 2023.
“It’s really good to be back to playing well because for a second there I started to second guess myself, doubting myself and my ability,” Teys said.
“Things sort of went downhill and in a way I almost didn’t have enough time for bowls.
“It took a backwards step after having my second child and my focus went to family life.
“It’s nice now to put a bit more time back into bowls and I’m lucky to be back in the winner’s circle.”
The Australian star’s selection for the 2023 World Bowls Championships was the catalyst for his motivation to achieve greatness on the green, with the idea of retirement even popping into his mind before his place in the squad was announced.
“Being selected for World Bowls really helped me get back onto my feet.
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t flirting with the idea of retirement for a little while, just with having two kids and doubting myself as to whether I’m good enough to mix it with the young guys that are coming through because they’re doing really well,” he added.
“But getting picked for Worlds, making two finals, having a successful Australian Open and now winning the BPL and MVP I might have a bit of life left in me.”
Teys will be travelling back to New Zealand in January for the prestigious Burnside Pairs competition.
Catch up on all of ‘The Right Line’ episodes via Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.
