1984 Could not have done it better myself – Throwback Thursday History Article

By Paul Comber

“I couldn’t have done it better. He was my man of the match.”  So said former Test fullback Colin Scott of Brian Walsh’s performance in Wynnum-Manly’s 42-8 demolition of Souths in yesterday’s Winfield Cup grand final.

 

Scott was unavailable for the final because of a three match suspension and Walsh, because of his inexperience as a fullback, was regarded as a risk in the Seagulls’ line-up.

But the versatile little veteran did everything asked of him and more as the Seagulls made their claim to being one of Brisbane’s best post-War teams.  He won the TVO man of the match award for the second time in successive grand finals.

 

In 1982 he won the television award for his skilful performance at five-eighth in the Seagulls’ first Premiership win, again over Souths.  Coach Des Morris was elated with the team performance yesterday, but singled out Walsh far special praise.  “He excelled himself,” Morris said.

 

Walsh himself was typically modest. “I think Scotty could have made more of a couple of opportunities to come into the backline;” be said.  Now 30, Walsh will leave a decision on next year until Christmas. “I’ll know by then if I am ready for the hard grind of training in the January heat,” he said.

 

Another Wynnum stalwart Wayne Bullock announced his retirement after the match.  Bullock, 30, said after eight seasons with Wynnum it was time to call it quits.  He joined Wynnum from Coilinsville in 1976 and the only other club he has played with since is Bradford Northern in England.  A skilful ball player he replaced Mal Green for the last 10 minutes of yesterday’s game.

 

Compliments of the Wynnum Herald 1984

2017 Wynnum Manly Seagulls Awards Night

By Lee Reilly

Wynnum Manly Seagulls utility Jayden Berrell joined an illustrious list of former greats when he took out the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club – ISC Player of the Year award at the Seagulls Awards night. The former Junior Kangaroo, who was unable to attend the evening was a constant performer and worthy winner of the award in a side that struggled with injuries throughout 2017.

 

The night also was a chance for the Seagulls to bid farewell to outgoing club great Matt Seamark who brought up his 200th ISC match during the season. Seamark who announced his retirement on the night, has been selected for Wales for the upcoming World Cup was a member of the Baysider’s back to back Intrust Super Cup Premiership sides in 2011 and 2012 and is also the highest goal scorer in ISC history.

 

Other highlights from the evening included Seagulls stalwart John Te Reo being recognised for reaching his 200 ISC match in 2017 and Fullback Daniel Ogden scored try 136 to become the all-time leading Try scorer in ISC history.

 

Wynnum Manly Seagulls Chairman Rick Green was honoured with Life Membership of the club and former Maroons and Kangaroos representative Chris McKenna was farewelled on the evening for his tireless work over the last 7 years as Academy and Development Officer.

 

Award Winners

Wynnum Manly Leagues Club ISC Player of the Year – Jayden Berrell

BMD Player’s Player – Mitch Cronin

OPTUS BRL Player of the Year – Adam Tuimave Gerard

BRL Player’s Player – Mitch Moore

FOGS COLTS Player of the Year – Mitipere Tuatai

FOGS COLTS Player’s Player – Mitipere Tuatai

Anthony Schweitzer Memorial Shield – Fan’s Favourite: Peter Gubb

Australia Trade Industry College – Mal Meninga Cup Awards

MM Best Back: Jack Callow

MM Best Forward: Brock Richardson

MM Player of the Year: Brock Richardson

Wynnum Manly Old Boys Award – Aaron Booth

Trevor Niebling Memorial Trophy – Best Junior to Senior: Jack Goodsell

Arch Geary Club Person of the Year – Boyd Meehan

 

1984 U18’s Premiership Winners – Throwback Thursday History Article

By Paul Comber

Wynnum-Manly under 18s, finished too strong for Brothers to take the Pacific Land rugby league trophy in the grand final at Lang Park on Saturday.  Two converted tries in the second half gave the Seagulls an easy 24-10 win.

 

Brothers opened the scoring in the first three minutes of the match, it came after a bomb.  This was followed by a penalty goal by Peter Sinclair to make the score 4-2. Seagulls’ first try was scored in the 25th minute after five-eighth Peter Sinclair cleverly switched play 10 metres out.  Sinclair passed the ball to Craig Adams who powered his way past four Brothers’ players to score.  The half-time score was 8-4 in favour of the Gulls.

 

Wynnum-Manly were the first to put points on the board in the second half. The points came after second rower Steve Taylor opened up Brothers’ defence 30 metres out. Taylor passed to Lance Belford who scored in the corner.

 

Brothers gave their supporters a glimmer of hope when they surged  hack with a try under the posts. They converted the try to make the score 12-10.  That try secured to be the signal for Seagulls to move into top gear. Seagulls scored two quick tries in the 62nd and 66th minutes.

 

The first was scored by Peter Sinclair from about 12 metres out and the second by fullback Darren Scott after good lead-up work by centre Mark Jones.

 

The win topped off a good season for Seagulls’ coach Graham Smith. Seagulls’ under 18’s won the minor premiership, the special pre-season competition as well as the Chairman’s Trophy and premiership.

 

It’s not over yet for the under 18’s. They will play a curtain raiser at Lang Park on Sunday. Wynnum-Manly will play the Police Academy at 10.30am.  The Police Academy side were win­ners of the Sub-district under 18 com­petition.

 

Members of the team are: Darren Whipps (fullback), Craig Gavin (winger), Greg Street and Mark Jones (centres), Lance Belford (winger), Peter Sinclair (five-eighth), Rory Ruhanan (halfback), Peter Jones (lock), Andrew Tessman and Steve Taylor (second row), Craig Adams (prop), Darren Petrie (hooker) and Greg Burke (prop).

Reserves: Noel Tierney, Jason Lloyd, Chad Giles, Joe Schweitzer, Steve Smith, Ivan Harshorn, Paul Lineburg, Shaun Winter, Ross Daley and Steve Haigh.

 

Graham Smith said he was more than happy with the under 18’s perfor­mance during the season.  He said he would be the under 18 coach again next season.  “There is a strong under 17 side coming up,” Graham said.  Those who played in the under 18s this year will not be eligible again next season,” he said.

 

Peter Sinclair (captain) and Peter Jones (vice-captain) spoke highly of the under 18 players.  They said the players did everything asked of them when called upon. “The team hated losing,” Peter Sinclair said. “Valleys were always a hard side because they played a similar style to us,” he said.  Both are looking forward to playing, with Wynnum-Manly teams next season.

 

The team comprises Wynnum-Manly. Redlands and Cannon Hill youngsters.” Peter Jones said. “Most of us are happy to remain in the district to boost Seagulls’ ranks,” he said.

 

Article compliments of The Wynnum Herald 1984

1975 Match Box Covers – Throwback Thursday History Article

REDHEAD MATCHBOX COVERS

By Paul Comber

Local Brisbane Rugby League in 1975 had one of their greatest promotions with the distribution of 20 million matchboxes across the state of Queensland.  The matchboxes showed the top BRL players of 1975, club insignias plus all the relevant details.

They were a product of Australian Match Manufacturing and were a unique project in Queensland for the first time a sport had been projected in mass distribution through matchbox cover designs.

This huge commercial project had an amusing origin.  Frank Train, a well-known Rugby League identity of that time was chopping down a tree on his property, when he remarked to Australian Match Manufacturing Chief Mr. John Christensen that the wood would be right for matchsticks.  Mr. Christensen replied that it was the wrong type of timber.  However the session was not to be wasted one, for Frank suggested that the matchboxes could be a help in boosting Rugby League – and John agreed.  John got in touch with BRL Management Committee Chairman, Mr. Arthur Sparks who thought it was a fine idea.

There were 42 matchboxes in the set represented by 8 Club Insignias, 32 Players (4 each club), the Kirks Cup and BRL emblems.  The five Wynnum Manly matches were Gary Seaton, Bob Clapham, Neil Kingston, Peter Inskip and the Club Insignia.

Article compliments of the Rugby League News 1975

 

Seagulls sign NRL centre Matthew Allwood

by Seagulls Media

The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls have signed New Zealand Warriors’ centre Matthew Allwood until the end of 2019.

Allwood, 24, comes to the club with NRL experience at centre and wing, and will bolster the outside backs ranks at the Seagulls.

Allwood made his NRL debut at age 21 for the Canberra Raiders and played 11 NRL games in his debut season. He then moved to the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year contract where he played 6 NRL games.

The Scone product has starred in the Intrust Super Premiership for the Warriors and represented the NSW Residents in 2016 and 2017.

Seagulls’ CEO Hanan Laban said Allwood was a player they coveted in the off-season.

“(Allwood) is an NRL experienced player who is still quite young and we ranked him as was one of the best available outside backs. He has been one of the dominant centres in the Intrust Super Premiership and we are thrilled to see him wear the Red and Green for the next two seasons.”

Allwood’s speed and toughness are traits that have Seagulls’ coach Adam Brideson excited about his new recruit.

“He has come from an NRL system where he has displayed strong work ethic and ability. He comes highly recommended as a competitive player that will give us some strike out wide.

I am looking forward to working with (Allwood) and I am sure he will fit in well with our playing group.”

Allwood’s Playing History

  • Canberra Raiders NRL 2014
  • New Zealand Warriors NRL 2015-17
  • NSW ISP Residents Team 2016-17

Michael Dobson signs two-year deal with Wynnum Manly

by Seagulls Media

The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls are today pleased to announce the signing of Salford Red Devils half-back Michael Dobson for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Dobson will headline the playmaking core for the Seagulls over the next two seasons and will bring strong leadership to BMD Kougari Oval.

Dobson had an illustrious ten seasons in Super League where he survived a Million Pound Game, guided Salford to their first Challenge Cup semi-final for twenty years and was twice named in the Dream Team at Hull KR.

Dobson said: “I’ve been thinking about it for the last year and I’ve got a young family and it’s time to take the family home.

“I’ve been here for ten seasons now and we’re just ready to go back, settle down and take a step back from full-time rugby league and move onto the next phase.”

Salford Head Coach Ian Watson was full of praise for his departing half-back: “Dobbo is someone you can greatly rely on to commit 100% to the cause which is shown in the amount of respect he commands from the coaching staff and players. He has helped drive and install a fantastic work ethic within the team and club as captain.

“His attitude is one that doesn’t rely on his talents, which are obvious to see, but his desire and hard-working nature which rubs off on all the players around him. His professionalism and performances over the last couple of years for Salford have been a massive reason as to why we’ve progressed to being a top eight club.”

Seagulls Head Coach Adam Brideson is looking forward to working with the veteran half-back: “Dobbo has come highly recommended as a person and a leader, which is very important for our club. We believe he is somebody that will not only fit into our culture but will enhance it with his work ethic and experience.

We struggled for consistency in the halves this season due to injury and he will be very important for us moving forward. He will be able to mentor our young players and also work in with guys like Pat Templeman, Shaun Nona and Aaron Booth next season.”

Dobson and his family are returning to Australia in October. He is recovering from a thumb injury but is expected to be fit to play by the trials.

Dobson’s Playing History

  • Catalans Dragons (2006)
  • Wigan Warriors (2006)
  • Canberra Raiders (2007 – 2008)
  • Hull KR (2008 – 2013)
  • Newcastle Knights (2014)
  • Salford Red Devils (2015 – 2017)

Optus Insider | Hayden Crowley

By Lee Reilly

The season starts again for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls when they take on the Valleys Diehards at BMD Kougari Oval in the BRL A Grade Semi Final. For Fullback Hayden Crowley the season starts again so past results mean nothing.

“The games we’ve put together you can probably put behind you and start with a clean slate because everyone gets a chance to go through to the Grand Final.”

“This year I think it’s two in one in their (Valleys) favour. There’s always healthy competition and hopefully with the team we go out with we can put them to the sword and push through to play Redcliffe next weekend.”

Crowley is aware that it is now up to the players to get the job done and the squad spoke during the week about players stepping up.

“I think it’s been more the players talking to each other. Ron and Jody have been good throughout the year with giving us roles individually but this is the time of the year that the coach can only say so much and it’s up to the players to step up to the mark and if that doesn’t happen it’s going to be an early season knock off I guess.”

Injuries to the Queensland Intrust Super Cup Squad means there has been plenty of reshuffling to the squad in 2017, but the Townsville junior knows that been part and parcel of the Seagulls season.

“It’s been pretty strong. Alot of players filter down into the comp (BRL) from Q Cup and it makes the competition really healthy. We’ve had a pretty interrupted year with injuries in the top squad.”

Away from the field Crowley has is a Community Liasion Officer with the Yulu-Burri-Ba local Indigenous health practise, admitting he never knows what the day will bring.

“My role continuously change day to day. I like to tell people I’m a middle man between the client and clinic. If there’s some cultural difficulties or boundaries, I often come into play and persuade some of our mob how important health is.”

The previous two years Crowley spent time as a Teacher’s aide at Brisbane Bayside College. An experience that has left a lasting impression on Crowley.

“I worked with kids with disabilities, kids with ADHD, ASD. Autistic kids were probably my favourite to work with. At times they were very challenging, but it definitely makes you appreciate what you’ve got.”

“I moved from Townsville into that job and I was away from family away from friends. There was some days darker than others when you’re missing home but once you go to working with the kids who seem to be really bubbly even though their home or personal lives might not be great, It really puts everything into perspective.”

The BRL semi-final match kicks off at BMD Kougari Oval at 6pm (free entry).

 

OPTUS INSIDER | Jeriah Goodrich

By Lee Reilly

Being in and out of games and not putting in full 80 minute performances has been a struggle in 2017 for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls according to outside back, Jeriah Goodrich.

“That’s been our biggest problem this year is closing out games. We need to be more consistent for the whole 80 minutes.”

“It has nothing to do with skill, it’s all mental, “added Goodrich.

The most disappointing part of their loss to Burleigh Bears was how well they played against the Easts Tigers  the week before, according to the 23 year- old.

“That was off the Northern Pride game in Bamaga. We tossed up a pretty poor performance there.”

“Everyone was in a good mindset for the derby against the Easts Tigers and we went in for the kill that’s for sure. I don’t know if that took a bit out of us and contributed to the result against the Bears.”

“We’ve been unfortunate this year with injuries, although the guys that have come up have done a great job. I think going forward as a club that can’t be an excuse. We need to go back to the days where that “no excuse mentality”, that is Wynnum and anybody who puts on that jersey will turn up and do a job.”

“I know it’s tough and we can kick buckets as much as we want but at the end of the day anyone who gets to put on the jersey is fully capable and needs to get the job done without any excuses.”

Leading into the last bye, the entire Seagulls squad had an old fashion bbq after training; an initiative that Goodrich believes brings the side together.

“We had a big hit out and a BBQ afterwards. The main message from Brido was take your mind away from footy, getaway from it.We do it for that many weeks of the year so it’s nice to get away and come back refreshed.”

“I definitely feel having the social events, having a beer after the games does help, especially  with the amount of new blokes and overall morale of the side. Just helps everyone get along better and I think that transcends onto the field.”

A concreter by trade, Goodrich like many of his team-mates knows that getting his body right is paramount to being able to contribute for the Seagulls.

“It’s not the easiest job, its very labour intensive. Your flogging it out for 8 to 11 hours a day in the sun then have to get to training”

“I’ve sort of set myself a bedtime of 9:30. Make sure I’ve packed my lunch the night before and then water is definitely key. I make sure I pack a water cooler when I go to work.”

MATCH REPORT | Win v Gulls secures PNG silverware

By Levington Melvin Levongo

The PNG Hunters secured the 2017 Intrust Super Cup minor premiership after defeating Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28-22 in their Round 24 clash at the National Football Stadium yesterday.

However, it was a tough game for the home side and the visitors were first side to score through fullback Paora Kemp after an impressive backline play. Shaun Nona missed the conversion attempt and the Gulls led 4-0.

Hunters hit back thanks to they try-scoring fullback Stargroth Amean who crossed over after receiving an inside pass from Ase Boas. Boas was able to convert the try to give his side the lead.

The Seagulls went over to score again through PNG international David Mead who showcased his class by beating the Hunters defenders to score. Nona converted the try as the visitors retook the lead 10-4 which they held at the halftime break.

In the second half, the Hunters forwards – led by Nixon Putt and David Loko – caused problems for the Seagulls on the edges; while Israel Eliab continued to show his impressive form. He beat a number of defenders to score in the corner with another try for the Hunters, but this time Boas missed the conversion.

The Hunters scored again soon after through forward Putt who muscled his way over and Boas slotted the extra two points.

The Seagulls tried their best to stay in the contest with Nona calling the shots. They soon scored through captain Mitchell Frei who went over with 20 minutes remaining before fulltime.

With scores level at 16-16, both sides were chasing points – but it was Hunters in form fullback Amean who scored to boost the morale of his team-mates and Boas converted the try.

Hunters play maker Boas scored again in the 69th minute to put the icing on the cake.

However, the Gulls had one more shot and Mead – who was influential for his side all game – scored again with less than 10 minutes remaining before fulltime. The visitors tried a late comeback, but, time was against them as the Hunters held on to win and claim their maiden minor premiership.

Next week, the Hunters travel to Tweed Heads to take on the competition’s other Seagulls, while Wynnum Manly will be away to the Norths Devils.

This story was originally published at: http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2017/08/21/hunters_claim_minor_.html

MATCH REPORT | Seagulls fall to Bears in final home game

By Lee Reilly

The Burleigh Bears have outclassed the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls 38-22 this Sunday, putting on 7 tries to 4 in the final game at BMD Kougari Oval for 2017.

Bears’ winger Troy Leo finished with a hat-trick and fullback Kurtis Rowe was sensational at the back, collecting XXXX Man of the Match honours from Channel 9.

Seagulls’ captain Mitch Frei continued his scoring purple patch, collecting a double and making it 3 tries from back to back matches.

Daniel Ogden will have to wait another week for try number 136 to claim the outright Intrust Super Cup try scoring record.

The BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls have a bye in Round 23, before travelling to Papua New Guinea for their Round 24 clash with the Hunters.

BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls (22)
Tries: Mitch Frei (18m, 43m), Stedman Lefau (37m) Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (79m)
Goals: Shaun Nona (19m, 38m, 80m)

Burleigh Bears (38)
Tries: Troy Leo (4m, 14m, 72m), Henare Wells (24m), Kurtis Rowe (50m, 67m) Sami Sauiluma (54m)
Goals: Jamal Fogarty (6m, 52m, 56m, 67m, 74m)