He relishes the chance of pitting himself against seven international bowlers this weekend.
Ellis (25), a foreman at Fulton Hogan, is the only non-international in his section of the Speight's North East Valley Invitation singles.
He is one of four North East Valley club players who gained entry to the prestige singles tournament through a qualifying tournament.
His opposition includes five bowlers who have won medals for New Zealand at either World Bowls or the Commonwealth Games: Andrew Todd (Sydney), Rowan Brassey (Auckland), Paul Girdler (Dunedin), Jim Scott (North East Valley) and Gary Lawson (Canterbury).
The other two internationals in his section are Sean O'Neill (South Canterbury) and Glen McDonald (Canterbury).
Ellis is approaching his ordeal in a positive mood.
"It is certainly a big step up for me," he said.
"It is a good experience to play against those guys and I'm looking forward to the battle."
Ellis was hooker in the Kavanagh College First XV but only played sport casually when he left school.
He is a social golfer.
He was introduced to bowls three years ago when he joined his flatmates in a few social games at the North East Valley club.
Ellis enjoyed the experience and signed up as a competitive player with the club last year.
"I enjoyed the competition. It was a challenge for me," he said.
"In bowls you can beat anyone on your day."
He used club bowls last season but bought a set of Dreamline bowls that had been used by the Irish World Bowls team at the end of last season.
Ellis gained entry into the toughest singles event held annually in New Zealand when he beat flatmate Matt McCombie in the final of the qualifying event.
The experienced Gary Andrews, who has won 11 Bowls Dunedin titles, was also in his section in the qualifying event.
The other North East Valley club players to gain entry through the qualifying events were Peter Unkovich, Bruce Dunn and Alan Black.
The draw for the Speight's North East Valley Invitation singles starting on Friday afternoon is:Section 1: Andre Smith (Marlborough), Dave Archer (Dunedin), Tony Grantham (North Shore), Shaun Scott (NEV), Shannon McIlroy (Nelson), Ross Stewart (Southland), Trevor Morris (Australia), Peter Unkovich (NEV).
Section 2: Andrew Todd (Sydney), Sean O'Neill (South Canterbury), Andrew Todd (Sydney), Rowan Brassey (Auckland), Paul Girdler (Dunedin), Jim Scott (North East Valley), Gary Lawson (Canterbury), Glen McDonald (Canterbury), Craig Ellis (NEV).
Section 3: Dennis Leeden (Dunedin), Philip Skoglund (Manawatu), Bill Clements (Central Otago), Stephen Posa (Canterbury), Andrew Curtain (Canterbury), Mark Watt (NEV), Ryan Bester (Canada), Bruce Dunn (NEV).
Section 4: Justin Goodwin (North Shore), Bruce Henderson (Wellington), Ali Forsyth (Nelson), Terry Scott (NEV), Nigel Wright (Dunedin), Shayne Sincock (Canterbury), Richard Girvan (Sydney), Alan Black (NEV).
The final will be played on Monday afternoon at the North East Valley green.
