Seagulls and Panthers face off in BRL preliminary final

By John Devine – QRL Media

The Redcliffe Dolphins await the winner of this Saturday afternoon’s In Safe Hands Cup preliminary final between the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Wests Brisbane Panthers.

The last time these two clubs played was in Round 16 and on that day, the Seagulls were too strong from the Panthers winning 40-8. However, the Panthers had won the previous three meetings (Round 1, Round 6 and Round 11).

To make their way to the preliminary final; Seagulls held on to progress through their elimination final against Easts, but while the Panthers outscored the Dolphins in the second half, they were unable to go straight through to the grand final after falling victim to a late Tony Tumusa double.

Seagulls coach Ron Troutman’s flock were outstanding last week against the Tigers. Despite fan favourite Peter Gubb being sent to the sin bin just before half time, the Seagulls put three tries on while Gubb watched the clock.

Seagulls forward Kelly Tate pushes through the Tigers’ defense

Troutman was relieved that no further action during the week will be taken against Gubb, meaning he is free to play in the important match.

The Seagulls have named an extended bench as he awaits fitness tests on Corey Davis (concussion) and Semisi Ahoafi (hamstring).

Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard was praised by his coach during the week and the big backrower will be looking to take the rest of the pack up the middle while Jacob Paulo and Josh Hoffman have been in damaging form of late and will test the Panthers defence.

The Seagulls have not played a grand final since 2015 while the Panthers have played in the last two preliminary finals, but have yet to get to the big show.

The Panthers have reshuffled their squad with the talented Mikaere Beattie returning to pair up with Zach Strasser in the halves, moving Kyle Van Klaveren back to fullback.

The big unit Josh Afoa has been named to start in the front row with the metre-eater Michael Molo and the unpredictable Adam Harris at hooker.

Drae Aiono drops to a bench that will need extra support with Simona Vavega and the return of Henry Togiasua putting pressure on the lanks.

Panthers coach Wayne Weekes also has the elusive Gavin Causer to let off the leash as the opposition pack begins to tire.

Preliminary Final
Panthers v Seagulls – WJ Scott Park, Saturday, September 8 at 3.15pm
Watch the live stream by clicking this link

BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls

1. Matthew Milson 2. Peter Gubb 3. Harlan Collins 4. Tumoana Halkyard 5. Jack Goodsell 6. John Te Reo 7. Mitchell Moore 8. Ngarima Pita 9. Kalolo Saitaua 10. Billy Solah 11. Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard 12. Semisi Ahoafi 13. Joshua Hoffman 14. Corey Davis 15. Jacob Paulo 16. Bradley Mana 17. Kelly Tate 18. Jaz Nahu-Main 19. Adrian Elder (two to be omitted)

Coach: Ron Troutman

West Brisbane Panthers

1. Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Namila Davui 3. Kennedy Pettyborne 4. Sam Collins 5. James Olds 6. Mikaere Beattie 7. Zach Strasser 8. Michael Molo 9. Adam Harris 10. Josh Afoa 11. Troy Swift 12. Billy Rogers 13. Dominic Biondi 16. Henry Togiasua 17. Gavin Causer 18. Simona Vavega 19. Drae Aiono

Coach: Wayne Weekes

* John Devine is a QRL correspondent covering the BRL A Grade competition

Seagulls Raffle to Aid Queensland Farmers

SEAGULLS FANS are urged to dig deep to give much-needed relief to drought-stricken farmers.

The Seagulls will raise funds for the Queensland Drought Appeal at this Saturday’s fixture against the Townsville Blackhawks at BMD Kougari Oval.

All funds raised through the club’s ground raffle will be directed to farmers facing severe hardship in drought-stricken regions of Queensland.

The drought which is having such a devastating impact on rural and regional communities has galvanized the support of the entire rugby league community.

Seagulls volunteers will visit all areas of the ground to sell ’50-50′ raffle tickets throughout the afternoon. The lucky winner of the ’50-50′ raffle will walk away with half of the money raised.

Tickets can be purchased online NOW. Head to 5050charityraffle.com.au/wynnumseagulls

Daniel Ogden announces retirement

By Seagulls Media

Daniel Ogden will bring an end to a decorated career this Saturday evening against the Townsville Blackhawks.

The Intrust Super Cup all-time leading try-scorer made the announcement to his team mates on Wednesday night that the 2018 season would be his last.

The high demands of the Intrust Super Cup can be difficult to manage and Ogden has decided to retire to devote more time to his young family.

“We have a second baby on the way now so I will have more time to be there for them,” he said.

“The competition is much more professional now, with a lot more travel and time commitments. It makes it difficult when you are missing so much time away from home.”

Ogden has many fantastic memories from his career and they are moments that will stay with him forever.

“Looking back I had some great times with footy. My debut (in Round 16 of 2009) was really special – I was playing outside (former Melbourne Storm star) Matt Geyer against the Redcliffe Dolphins and scored four tries in my first game.

2010 was a special year at Norths Devils as well. We had a young group of blokes who were all close mates and we went all the way to the Grand Final.

My other favourite memories came from the 2014 season at Wynnum. We finished second at the end of the regular season and I thought we had the squad to go all the way, we just got a few injuries in the semis which hurt us.”

The mercurial fullback says he will miss the mateship and competing week in week out the most.

“The mateship and camaraderie from footy can’t be compared. It is such a fun and enjoyable environment.

I just love competing and having to get up for a game each and every week.”

Saturday afternoon will be Ogden’s 102nd game in the Red and Green and he will never forget running out at BMD Kougari Oval.

“The club is such a special place with the fans and support we receive. You don’t get that with any other club and is why Wynnum is so respected.

I have made lifelong mates at Wynnum and loved my time here.”

Come to BMD Kougari Oval this Saturday afternoon to watch Daniel Ogden’s final game and Peter Gubb’s 150th match against the Townsville Blackhawks. Kick off is 5pm and there will be a FREE Peter Gubb and Daniel Ogden face mask at the front gate to show your support.

$3000 Chemist Warehouse ‘Kick for Cash’

Chemist Warehouse and the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls invite supporters to take up the opportunity to kick a goal for $3000 at half time of the Seagulls vs Blackhawks game on Saturday, August 25. 

The winner drawn will be given the option to:

  1. Kick for $3000 by taking a conversion 40 metres out in front of goal
  2. Kick for $2000 by taking a conversion 30 meters out in front of goal
  3. Kick for $1000 by taking a conversion 20 meters out in front of goal

Chemist Warehouse customers will receive FREE entry into the Wynnum Manly Seagulls vs Townsville Blackhawks game on August 25, 5.00pm.

All Chemist Warehouse customers who spend $30 or more will be admitted free entry into the match up by simply showing their receipt at the front grate.

Those who wish to go in the draw for the Kick for Cash will be asked to write their name on the back of the receipt before submitting it into the barrel located by the front gate.

Kick For Cash  – Key Information

  • Purchase $30 in store at Chemist Warehouse Wynnum & Tingalpa to go in the draw to kick for the Cash
  • After purchase, Customers are entitled to FREE entry into the Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Townsville Blackhawks match on Saturday 25th August 2018 
  • Customers are advised the keep their receipt and are asked to present this at the front gate for FREE entry into the game
  • Customers will then be given the opportunity to enter the ‘Kick for Cash’ draw by writing their name on the receipt and submitting this receipt into the barrel located the the front gate
  • 10 minutes prior to the first grade game, 3 finalists will be drawn at random from the barrel
  • The one winner will be drawn at random from the 3 finalists at half time during the first grade game
  • The kick will take place at half-time in the first grade match
  • The winner has an option to place kick a goal from the 40 meter line for $3000, the 30 meter line for $2000 or the 20 meter line for $1000
  • If the customer misses, they will receive a second chance kick from the 10 meter line for $250
  • All kicks are to be placed kicked (from ground) and use of a tee is allowed. No drop kicks, punts, bombs etc.
  • Each kick will be taken directly in front of the post
  • If all kicks are missed the winner will receive a $100 gift voucher regardless for their participation and support
  • Customers can enter as many times as they like
  • Kicker needs to be 18 years and over