By Seagulls Media

Pre-Season training is underway at Wynnum Manly, with the club’s six squads reporting back for duty during the final week of November.

A deep run through the Intrust Super Cup Finals series meant the players earned their rest, and have returned late this month to kick start preparations for the 2022 season!

Despite the bucketing rain and grueling fitness tests, it’s been all smiles as the new squad gets together for the first time. A number of fresh faces have joined from interstate and across Queensland, whilst some familiar names are still training with NRL programs as part of their own opportunities to step up toward first grade.

The addition of a second women’s team in the Senior competition will see more players in a Wynnum uniform than ever before. The club will field 6 teams across the QRL’s statewide competitions, continuing to expand on their commitment to sport in the bayside community.

These 6 teams, and the development of players through the Seagulls Academy, support the club’s mission of providing a pathway through grassroots to elite competition for local athletes.

Expanded facilities including an Academy hub at the Capalaba Warriors, will allow all Seagulls players to continue their development and training in preparation for a competitive 2022 season.

A terrific year on and off the field for the club also saw a large number of Seagulls players earn NRL opportunities ahead of next season. Selwyn Cobbo and TC Robati made their NRL debut in 2021 for the Brisbane Broncos, while Junior Paunga played first grade for Wests Tigers.

Selwyn and TC have both signed extended and upgraded contracts with the Broncos after impressing in their first year of first grade footy.

Following a standout season in which he earned the Intrust Super Cup Player of the Year Award, Jayden Berrell was signed by the Cronulla Sharks and will look to make his own NRL debut next year.

Jack Campagnolo earned Five Eighth of the year honors across the QRL and has been given an NRL opportunity with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

With the success of the Hastings Deering Colts and Cup level squad, 2021 was also a strong proof point for the success of the Seagulls Academy pathway. That success has been recognised by NRL clubs, with a number of Seagulls earning the opportunity to train and trial over the Summer for a shot at a NRL contract.

Some of these players will look to rejoin the Seagulls in the new year, bringing with them a wealth of experience and development after their time with NRL clubs.

The following Seagulls players earned NRL contracts and opportunities this season:

• Junior Pauga – Wests Tigers
• Selwyn Cobbo – Brisbane Broncos
• TC Robati – Brisbane Broncos
• Leon Te Hau – South Sydney Rabbitohs
• Alec MacDonald – Melbourne Storm
• Delouise Hoeter – Brisbane Broncos
• Harrison Graham – Brisbane Broncos
• Jack Campagnolo – South Sydney Rabbitohs
• Jayden Campbell – Cronulla Sharks

There are a number of other contracts in the pipeline, including training deals for exciting young players who will join the club in the offseason.

Stay tuned for more updates about the Seagulls playing squad, pre-season and NRL pathway successes. Keep up to date with Seagulls social media to follow along as we announce our 2022 squads.

On Friday evening, the club hosted its annual Awards Gala, recognising the contributions of players, staff and volunteers throughout the year. Hosted by Peter Psaltis, the evening capped a terrific season on and off the field for the club.

The annual awards are more than just recognition of on field performance. The Gala provides the club an opportunity to thank and acknowledge the people that contribute their and energy to our shared values. Spanning a variety of categories, major awards were revealed including Volunteer of the Year and Best Junior to Senior, which rewards outstanding growth and development through our Junior Programs.

After a stellar season, Jayden Berrell took home the coveted Wynnum Manly Leagues Club Player of the Year Award in the Intrust Super Cup. The Player of the Year awards are voted on by the coaches in a 3-2-1 tally system after every game.

Berrell was recognised by the entire QRL earlier in the year for his performance in 2021, receiving the Petero Civoniceva Medal for Best and Fairest over the entire Intrust Super Cup season. The Cup Player of the Year was the final of three major awards that the Seagulls hooker took home on Friday.

Beyond the coaches award, Berrell was recognised by his peers, voted Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates. The Wynnum Manly Old Boys also presented their perpetual award for the Most Diligent Player to Jayden Berrell.

In a fitting tribute to the club’s former captain, the Inaugural Mitch Cronin Medal was presented by Chris Cronin for the Club Person of the Year. This perpetual award was founded to honour Mitch’s legacy and is given to the person who best exemplifies the core values of the club. Tristan Hope received the Medal in it’s first year.

Selwyn Cobbo was awarded the Anthony Schweitzer Memorial Trophy, voted by Seagulls supporters as the fans’ favourite Cup player.

Lenny Creeber was awarded the Arch Geary Shield for volunteer of the year, as he completes his 22nd year volunteering for the club.

In the Hastings Deering Colts, Alec MacDonald took home the U21s Player of the Year Award. Harrison Graham was voted by his teammates as the Players’ Player and also received the Trevor Neibling Shield for Best Junior to Senior. The pair were instrumental in the success of the Premiership winning Colts.

Alongside major player medals and trophies for the Intrust Super Cup and Hastings Deering Colts, the club also acknowledged the winners of team awards from the seasons completed earlier in the year.

Jack Hudson received the Cyril Connell Challenge U16s Players’ Player award, with Zane Ford taking home Player of the Year.

In the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup U18s, Shaun Packer won the Players’ Player prize and Nathaniel Tangimataiti was the Player of the Year.

2021 saw the Seagulls enter a team in a women’s competition for the first time in club history. In the inaugural year of the women’s program, Jacinta Carter was the Harvey Norman Women’s U19 Players’ Player and Jayda Lofipo was the Player of the Year.

Max Cameron was also presented a life membership during the Awards, recognising his long standing contribution to the club.