Seagulls go ‘silly’ to launch McDonald’s partnership

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls and McDonald’s Bayside have launched a new partnership for the 2020 season and the Intrust Super Cup side joined in on the celebrations by wearing some ‘silly socks’ for their captain’s run last week in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland.

The new partnership will see McDonald’s become the major partner of the McDonald’s Seagulls Academy program which develops rugby league in the region across clubs and schools.

This program also harnesses elite players as they journey from junior football, to Intrust Super Cup and even NRL via the Broncos.

Some recent graduates include Jayden Clarkson who has signed an NRL contract with the Canberra Raiders, and Reece Hoffman and Jake Simpkin who have joined the Wests Tigers. Whilst Harrison Graham and Max Plath are two local juniors who have joined the Seagulls’ Intrust Super Cup squad.

Seagulls CEO Hanan Laban believes that the partnership will support the development of future NRL stars from the Bayside.

“We are very fortunate to have a strong partner in McDonald’s Bayside who are community minded and supportive of rugby league.

“Their investment into the McDonald’s Seagulls Academy will provide resources and opportunities for the next generation of Seagulls players who have dreams of playing Intrust Super Cup or NRL football.

“We look forward to growing this program alongside Jim Park and his team, and working with our wonderful community.”

Jim Park and McDonald’s Bayside are proud supporters of the club as a whole and are eager for the exciting year ahead.

“We love to get involved with our local clubs and sporting organisations, we are very pleased to be on board with the Seagulls in 2020 for what should be a great year on and off the field.

“A major element of our local partnerships is contributing to those who are willing to give back to their playing base, volunteers and the community as a whole.

“The Seagulls tick those boxes and align with the vision of McDonald’s on a national basis, these factors along with their ongoing support of our charitable partner Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland, makes this partnership a viable one now and into the future.”

This partnership will also see Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland become an Official Charity of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.