A decidely more genteel sport now supplies him with that need. 

The North Tamworth Bowling Club rookie, 38, has already won several events – including the recent zone-three rookie singles tournament in Inverell, his hometown.

He has qualified for the state finals for rookies at Raymond Terrace next month.

“I hate to lose,” he said.

“I’m very competitive, and I enjoy it [bowls].

“I don’t overly practice.

“I just play comp games throughout the year.”

Tapping the knowledge of his fellow North Tamworth members has also aided his development.

“Bowling with them, you learn fast,” he said. “I’m all ears. If they’ve got something to tell me, I sort of take it on board … It’s a good club like that.”

Thom said he “lived between” City, Oxley and North Tamworth bowling clubs, and one day ventured to the latter to participate in a charity event.

“I met a few blokes down there and it’s a good club,” he said. “And that’s how I started bowling.”

He added: “It’s good to have a beer with someone who’s a little bit maturer.

“They’ve always got a different perspective on life. It’s just good to get out and have a roll.”

Thom will be joined at Raymond Terrace by the winners of the zone three rookie pairs, Oxley Bowling Club’s Murray McGregor and Brett French.

McGregor is not getting carried away with his early success.

“I think most rookies are very ordinary bowlers,” he said. 

“I don’t have any delusions of grandeur.”

McGregor, 63, switched to bowls because it is easier on his body than golf. 

“Although they tell me bowls is a very dangerous sport,” he said.

“More people die on a bowls green than anywhere – mainly from heart attacks.”