QRL Article written by Jorja Brinums
Wynnum Manly Seagulls centre Delouise Hoeter – spurred on by former skipper Sam Scarlett in the crowd – reckons the side should be “proud” after a stellar performance against Mackay Cutters.
“It was good… a lot of new faces but they did the Wynnum community proud, and themselves proud as well,” Hoeter said.
The Brisbane Broncos-contracted talent bagged two tries during his side’s 44-6 win, much to the delight of the Chook Pen and Scarlett.
Plenty of others were cheering loudly including former coach Adam Brideson, and former teammates Matiu Love-Henry and Aaron Rockley.
“The lungs were blowing a bit but good to get my first 80-minute game… it was good to play for the first time this year in Wynnum in front of the Chook Pen,” Hoeter said.
“My legs were starting to give way towards the end but it didn’t really matter. I just wanted to put in a really good performance in Cup.”
Former Burleigh Bears star Josh Rogers was also excellent for Wynnum Manly, scoring one try, kicking seven from seven conversions and one penalty goal.
“I feel like everyone played pretty well. Tyson Smoothy played 80 in the middle, Josh Rogers did pretty well. Matty Milson at the back, he did really well. It’s hard to pinpoint one person. I think everyone did their job and everyone proud.”
Hoeter said there were definitely positive signs going into Round 2.
“We were still a bit scratchy. We were one from eight in about the last 20 minutes. We let them in a lot towards the end with a lot of errors and penalties. But that’s something we can clean up as we go along,” he said.
“I enjoy whether I’m at Broncos or at Wynnum. I’ve been here for five years now. I’ve seen a lot of people come through. I always love playing in front of the Chook Pen.”