It wasn't the result he was hoping for, but the world's top bowler, Alex Marshall, hadn't played a competitive match on grass for seven months before his debut for Warilla in Illawarra pennants.

Marshall ran into a white-hot Dapto Citizens rink skipped by Kyle Johannes in a 22-shot loss, which helped Citos beat their great rival 76-71 in round three.

The clubs will almost certainly meet again in the finals after facing off in the past seven top grade grand finals.

Marshall last played outdoors at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year before playing indoor events including the Australian Premier League at Club Pine Rivers in Brisbane in November.

Marshall skipped Murray Steamers to victory at the $110,000 APL, then confirmed his status as the world's best bowler by claiming a record sixth world indoor title in England last January.

"Tattie", as he's affectionately known, only arrived in Australia on March 10 and played a few practice ends at Warilla before making his 2015 debut against Citos.

A two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Marshall is lining up with Warilla for a third time, following a stint in 2002 and playing in their Premier League campaign in 2012.

"I regard Warilla as the top club in NSW so it's great to be back," Marshall said.

"They've got a great squad, with some really top-class youngsters mixed with some experienced guys. I'm sure we'll have a good pennant season."

Having Marshall in Zone 16 pennants is a huge boost for Illawarra bowls and the Scottish star is confident he'll adapt to the Illawarra greens.

"'It won't be a problem. I know the conditions quite well having played for Warilla previously and I've played down here at Warilla on five or six occasions at various events."

He will play through the Zone 16 pennant season before heading home to England.

Should the Gorillas clinch a third straight Illawarra Grade 1 flag, Marshall will return for the state finals in early August.

He is looking forward to playing good mate and Scottish international teammate Graeme Archer, who has joined Figgy Bowlo as their bowls co-ordinator.

"I was best man at Graeme's wedding so we go back a long way," Marshall said.