Collins’s participation in the National championship adds to the area’s presence at the event with another local, Michael Cronin, also set to play.

Collins will combine with his team of Brodie Jobson and Martin Grosper after the trio won three games at a qualifying event in Wallsend to secure their ticket to the titles.

“We played a] qualifying tournament at Wallsend against some of the best bowlers in Newcastle and three Australian players to get there,” Collins said.

“We’re one of two teams to qualify from NSW. You can go to other states to try and qualify if you miss out in your home state.”

“You never imagine as a club player to go there.”

The ambitious 21-year-old who began bowling eight years ago will spend nine days in Victoria from February 11.

Switching states three days before the start of the competition on February 14 in order to train on the Shepparton greens, Collins has high hopes of returning to Bellbird silverware in tow.

“I’m hoping to go down and win, that’s my main objective,” he said.

“I’ve won club championships, state pennants [and] district and zone titles…but this will cap it off. To win an Australian Open would be pretty good.”

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The Bellbird Bowling Club will be holding a nominated open three’s benefit day in support of Collins on January 31. All proceeds will go towards his travel, with first prize a keg of beer and second prize a carton of beer or $30 each.

Entry is $30 a team. To enter please phone 4990 2114.