PegLeg’s green and gold dream realised

By Sheree Hoddinett  

It’s been years in the making, but for Brett “PegLeg” Sellars, he’s received the call up of a lifetime - his first Australian bowls team selection for the prestigious Merlion Cup in Singapore this July.  

The Australian team selection was one of two major announcements PegLeg received on the same day. He was also named in the Bowls Queensland President XII to face off against the Australian Defence Force in the annual Anzac Test Series. 

For the 53-year-old amputee athlete, representing his country really is a dream come true. 

“I think I was in shock for a couple of days to be honest,” PegLeg said. “It’s been a big couple of weeks. I get to wear the maroon for Queensland again and now, for the first time, the green and gold. To finally represent my country—it's been a lifelong goal. I’m just so proud.” 

PegLeg’s bowls journey initially began in 2008 with his son joining him on the green. While his son moved on, PegLeg’s love for the game only grew and now years of hard work, competition and commitment have finally paid off. 

“This (representing Australia) is what I set my sights on years ago when I decided to take the sport seriously with the Commonwealth Games the ultimate goal, so heading to Singapore is one big step toward that happening,” PegLeg said. “That's the pinnacle for lawn bowls, the Commonwealth Games. That's as high as it goes, so to actually make that level, that's the ultimate for me.” 

Preparation ahead of a big tournament is intense. From gym sessions and cardio work to training tournaments and studying other players, PegLeg admits bowls has become a full-time job. 

“But I couldn’t think of a better one,” he laughs. 

PegLeg still plays at Solander Lake Bowls Club, where the support from fellow members has been overwhelming. 

“My hand nearly fell off the other week from all the handshakes,” he said. “They’ve helped me so much. I owe them a lot.” 

The upcoming Singapore tournament will be PegLeg’s first time playing against international opposition. With synthetic surfaces that run much faster than many Australian greens, he’s been travelling up and down the coast to train on similar conditions. As well as heading to Singapore in July, PegLeg will be busy in the coming months with the Australian Open, club championships, a trip to the Institute of Sport in Canberra and more trials ahead of potential Commonwealth Games selection. 

A lifelong ocean lover, PegLeg recently treated himself to his first-ever brand-new set of blue (his favourite colour) Henselite bowls—just in time for his debut in green and gold. 

“Everything’s falling into place. It’s unbelievable, really,” PegLeg said. “If I come home with a gold medal, I'll definitely be letting you know.” 

PegLeg will hit the green in the pairs with fellow Para Jackaroo Chris Flavel in the Merlion Cup in Singapore from July 13-20. The women’s pairs will see Para Jackaroos Carolyn Nelson and Cheryl Lindfield also team up. In addition, Nelson and Lindfield will play as the front two in the mixed fours with PegLeg and Flavel in the third and skip position respectively.