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.