LAWN BOWLS
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Rick Malley is recovering well from a hernia operation and declared himself "100 per cent" ready to go for his Windang team's defence of their South Pacific Fours crown next week.
Malley had his second hernia operation on December 4 and had a short roll-up last Thursday.
"I'm fine. I was supposed to have the hernia op done three months ago but held it off hoping I could get through, but now I've had it done I'm right to play," Malley said.
"My wife was counting the seconds I was out on the green the first day back but it won't be a problem."
Malley won the NSW Senior Singles in 2011 and has been part of the unbeaten NSW team which twice won the Australian Senior Sides championships.
Malley will be joined by his South Pacific Fours champion teammates of 12 months ago - Geoff Walker and David Tyrrell - while Zac Gabrielson replaces Martin O'Brien at this year's carnival beginning on December 27.
The 10-day South Pacific carnival starts with the fours, featuring 18 sections, with Malley and partners to begin the defence of their title at Dapto Citizens BC.
A number of former fours champions will skipper composite teams this carnival including John Green, Scott Bateup and Shane Garvey.
Other contenders look to be the strong Warilla sides skipped by Aaron Teys and Jeremy Henry, while bowls legend Steve Glasson skips a side which includes his talented son Ben.