Shepparton Park’s Mia Nowosad reflects on landmark Oceanic Challenge berth for Tonga

Competing across four days of action from November 21-24, Nowosad earned the opportunity she had yearned for, as previously chronicled in The News — a long-awaited payoff for a gruelling journey as she pulled on the Tonga gear for the first time.

“The entire time was an experience of a lifetime for me,” Nowosad said.

“Representing Tonga was more than I ever dreamed of; seeing our little flag up there while playing is one of those things I never thought would happen to me.

“Meeting up with the team itself and all the cultures was as if we were meant to be together.

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity and put a little bit back to help my birth nation. We had some brilliant sets and I wanted the coaches to watch me and know that I can bowl.”

That was the goal, after all — she didn’t put all the effort in just to be able to say she flew to New Zealand.

Ecstasy and exuberance aside, there was still work ahead and a job to be done on the greens as she joined her compatriots in women’s triples and fours action for the tournament.

The Tongan trio missed out on finals qualification despite a strong start to its group stage play, but the fours side powered through its group undefeated — taking the handy scalp of New Zealand Under-26 in the process.

Not a bad team effort with Nowosad’s coaches only watching her bowl for the first time and one other member having played barely a year.

Acknowledging pre-tournament that it would take only the absolute best to defeat either that home side or Australia’s pathway team, Nowosad got to try her hand against both after taking on the green and gold — featuring a familiar face - in a semi-final.

Tonga came up second-best, but rebounded superbly to overturn Norfolk Island and claim bronze.

“We got five on the last end to get on top of our section. My family was there cheering Tonga on,” Nowosad said.

“Australia was too strong for us and Norfolk Island was a very strong team in the bronze game.

“It was so good to see ‘Liv’ (Cartwright) there and her family as well; I played with her when she was younger at Kyabram, and it was so good to see her growth.

“She played the best I’ve ever seen her play and she had a great game in the final.

“I just love that girl and she’s going to represent Australia on a big stage.”

It’s no surprise, of course, that Nowosad displayed her bronze medal with a tangible beaming pride.

Tonga wound up the most successful nation behind the two major powers in terms of the medal tally, but do you think Nowosad is done there?

“I practised really long and hard for three months,” Nowosad said.

“We were nowhere last year, so bronze is like a gold for us, but we hope it’s a different colour next year.

“Our singles girl won silver and then gold at the world Champion of Champions, so there’s a big hope for Tonga in bowls.

“I was so blessed to help build the team up to where we have the ability to challenge Australia and New Zealand.”

Don’t forget, of course, where the Park ace’s ultimate ambitions have settled all along.

Glasgow remains the main goal, with the 2026 Commonwealth Games resurrected in Scotland following Victoria’s withdrawal from hosting duties.

Though the Glasgow Games are significantly stripped back compared to previous editions, one thing remains clear.

As long as bowls are there to be played on the big stage, Nowosad will be out to prove this was no one-and-done fairytale.

For now, though, it’s back to the maroon tops and putting her best foot forward at club level.

“I feel more confident that I belong after the Challenge,” Nowosad said.

“I hope this is a step for them to consider me, but I think they’re only going to put singles and pairs on at the Games.

“My hope is always there, not only for that, but the Challenge next year. We took pride in that uniform.

“The dream will always be around for me and I thank God for the opportunity I’ve already had.

“What I can take control of is practice, so I’m now just concentrating on Shepp Park and representing this beautiful club.”