Written by Clare Quilty
Old Gulls Day returned to Kougari Oval on Sunday, August 16, as Wynnum-Manly marked the 40-year reunion of its iconic 1986 premiership side alongside Round 21 of the Hostplus Cup.
Captain-coach Wally Lewis led the star-studded team back to the club, joined by fellow rugby league greats Gene Miles, Greg Dowling, Colin Scott and Ian French.
The 1986 side remains one of the most celebrated in club history, completing a remarkable Grand Slam, winning the BRL premiership, Woolies Trophy, Minor Premiership, State League Cup and Pre Season Competition, crowning them as the only team in BRL history to achieve this feat.
The celebrations also honoured the 1976 side, with Warren Orr and Lew Platz among those returning for their 50-year reunion.
Now approaching 400 members, the Old Gulls Association continues to grow after forming two years ago, supporting former players through fundraisers, health and wellness programs, weekly coffee catch ups, walks and regular wellbeing check-ins.
The day began with a catch-up in the Club Sapphire Room before the 1986 side was officially presented to the Kougari crowd. The reunion greats then took a lap of the field before forming a guard of honour for the Hostplus Cup Seagulls ahead of their clash with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
After the BMD Premiership women recorded a 22-14 victory over the Falcons, the reunion continued in the sheds, where the Old Gulls joined the current players to celebrate the win.
It was the biggest Old Gulls reunion yet, bringing together generations of Seagulls to celebrate the club’s past and present.