Big guns line-up for Hawks in APL03
The Gold Coast Hawks are the latest franchise to announce their line-up for APL03 By Bowls Australia
Gold Coast Hawks are set to soar to new heights in APL03 when three of Australia’s best bowlers join forces in the third instalment of the revolutionary Australian Premier League.
Earlier in the year, Helensvale’s Mark Casey announced he will be returning home to the Gold Coast franchise after two years representing XXXX Brisbane Gold.
Whilst one of last year’s players were unfortunately going to miss out due to Casey’s homecoming, the impending arrival of Lynsey Clarke’s baby, expected just weeks before APL03, has consequently made the Australian Captain unavailable and the decision as to who will join Casey far easier.
Helensvale’s own Australian Jackaroos Brett Wilkie and Nathan Rice will line-up for the Hawks once more after narrowly missing finals in the Gold Coast Hawks inaugural appearance in APL02.
Gold Coast Hawks are a powerhouse line-up with three Australian Jackaroos, numerous Commonwealth Games medals between them, over three decades experience playing together at Club Helensvale and more tournament victories together than any other team in the APL.
Whilst all the talk is around defending champions the Murray Steamers and XXXX Brisbane Gold who have picked up former Solargain Perth Suns star Jeremy Henry, the Gold Coast Hawks will be a highly fancied side.
Rice is thrilled to have another opportunity to play in the prestigious APL alongside two good mates, a highly compatible team he expects to go well this year.
“Every time I suit up for Helensvale I believe we are going to win,” a confident Rice said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to Club Pine Rivers and playing in front of big crowds with the great atmosphere that the APL creates.”
The Gold Coast Hawks are the only team in APL history to have all three players and coach as members of the same club; the well-known elite bowling club on the Gold Coast, Club Helensvale.
Anthony Fantini, a former Queensland representative and Australian ‘A’ squad member will once again lead the charge for the Hawks from the sidelines.
The excitement around the APL is heating up with just over three months left before all the best players from around the globe descend on Club Pine Rivers for the $110,000 event.
For those that can’t make it to Club Pine Rivers between November 10 and 13; Fox Sports will telecast live matches from 5:30pm AEST each night.
For more information about the APL including previous team announcement click here.