Melbourne eXtreme has made a last minute change to its line up for next week’s Bowls Premier League.
Nick Cahill comes into the side for the Club Sunbury franchise, replacing Matt Flapper who has withdrawn due to personal reasons.
Flapper is expected to return to the team for the next event.
It’s the first time that Cahill, the reigning Australian male bowler of the year, will play in the competition.
He joins Natasha Van Eldik and foundation player Ali Forsyth in the line up for the 17th staging of the event.
Cahill said he was thrilled to be debuting at the sport’s premier televised event and appreciative of eXtreme licensee Club Sunbury for the opportunity.
“I’m so excited about the opportunity and would love to thank Club Sunbury,” Cahill said.
“There’s a few nerves there, I’ve played a couple of TV games before but nothing in front of the crowd that I expect in Moama.
“But I’m going to relish this opportunity, I feel really good going into it and really prepared so hopefully I’ll be a good inclusion for the team.”
On the prospect of teaming up with Van Eldik and Forsyth, Cahill is bursting with excitement of having two of the world’s best alongside him on the Murray.
The 20-year-old is no stranger to the big stage, having represented Australia at the Junior World Bowls Indoor Championships in December, claiming two silver medals.
It will also be Van Eldik’s first time representing eXtreme, replacing Carla Krizanic, who has stepped back from this level of bowls.
Van Eldik is a dual gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, having also won gold at the World Bowls Championship.
The Australian Jackaroo has also previously played in the BPL, including playing in two grand finals in BPL13 & BPL14.
