It was a big ANZAC Round at BMD Kougari Oval over the weekend, with a full day of football beginning with two junior matches before our BRL A Grade and Hostplus Cup sides took centre stage.

Our BRL A Grade team opened the senior fixtures against the Carina Tigers, with Lachlan Hanneghan getting the scoring underway. The Seagulls maintained strong attacking pressure throughout the match, crossing for a total of six tries, with four successfully converted. Carina fought hard but were unable to match the Seagulls’ intensity, finishing with four tries of their own. The Seagulls secured a strong 34–24 victory.

Ahead of the Hostplus Cup clash, a special ANZAC Round commemorative service was held, recognising and honouring those who have served. We extend a big thank you to Wandering Warriors, RSL Queensland, and the Manly Lota RSL Sub Branch for their involvement in making the occasion so meaningful.

Riding the momentum from the earlier win, our Hostplus Cup side took on the Western Clydesdales. The visitors struck first, crossing for the opening two tries to take a 10–0 lead. The Seagulls responded through Josh Coric, with Alex Lobb adding the extras, before Jordan Swann crossed in the 27th minute to give the home side a narrow 12–10 lead at halftime.

The second half belonged to the Seagulls, who came out firing with quick tries to Ben Farr and Temple Kalepo. The momentum continued with further tries to Alex Lobb, Jamal Shibasaki, and Josh Coric, who picked up his second of the day. Lobb was sharp with the boot, converting six of seven attempts. The Clydesdales had no answer, with the Seagulls running out convincing 40–16 winners.

Big weekend for the Seagulls with a clean sweep — three from three across all grades.

Our BRL A Grade side travelled to Frank Lind Oval to face the West Brisbane Panthers, coming away with a strong 38–22 win. Nathaniel Tangimataiti opened the scoring and grabbed a double, while Meli Nasau, Joshua Whittaker, Ethan Malt and William Parslow also crossed. Lachlan Hanneghan was sharp with the boot, landing five from six conversions along with two penalty goals.

Both our Mal Meninga Cup and Hostplus Cup sides took on the Tigers at Totally Workwear Stadium.

The Mal Meninga boys had plenty on the line, with a win securing the minor premiership. After conceding early, they responded in style with tries to Daniel Cash, Nate Berrigan, Axel Friend and Tristan MacDonald. Bailen Noy slotted three from four conversions to seal a 22–6 victory and lock in the minor premiership.

In Hostplus Cup, Ben Farr continued his strong form with an early try before the Tigers hit back, leaving scores locked at 4–all at the break. The Seagulls dominated the second half, with Garry Tuilekutu, Brendan Frei and Tieran Ross all crossing. Alex Lobb converted three of four attempts to secure a convincing 24–4 win.

Our Hostplus Cup and Mal Meninga sides travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on the Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval.

In Round 8 of the Mal Meninga Cup, the Seagulls faced a top-of-the-table clash against the Blackhawks. Townsville started strongly, crossing for an early try in the second minute, however it would be their only points of the match. The Seagulls responded quickly in the 8th minute and went on to take control of the contest. With four first-half tries and a further two in the second stanza, Wynnum Manly built momentum and finished strongly. A sharp goal-kicking display from Bailen, converting five from six, helped secure an impressive 34–4 victory.

Our Hostplus Cup side took on the Blackhawks in Round 5, producing a tough and competitive opening to the match. Despite the home side striking first, the Seagulls worked their way into the contest with Ryley Jacks crossing in the 25th minute, followed by a successful conversion from Alex Lobb. Townsville edged ahead again before half-time to lead 10–6 at the break. The Blackhawks then took control in the second half, scoring three unanswered tries before Lobb added a late try and conversion for Wynnum Manly. The match finished 26–12, with plenty for the group to take away and build on ahead of next week’s clash with the Tigers.

Back at home, our BRL side hosted the Valleys Diehards at Kitchener Park in a hard-fought contest in front of the Wynnum faithful. In a tight battle that went down to the wire, the Seagulls were ultimately edged out 18–12.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls Cyril Connell Cup side have capped off a remarkable season in the best way possible, claiming a 26–12 victory over the Norths Devils in the Grand Final.

Finishing the regular season as minor premiers and remaining undefeated throughout the year, the Seagulls carried their outstanding form into the decider and rose to the occasion on the biggest stage. In a composed and confident performance, the boys showcased the same grit, teamwork and attacking flair that defined their season, proving too strong for a determined Devils outfit.

The win marks a historic moment for the club, with this being the first time a Wynnum Manly Cyril Connell team has secured a Grand Final victory. It’s a fitting reward for a group that has shown consistency, resilience and a strong team-first mentality from Round 1 right through to the final whistle of the season.

Congratulations to head coaches Paul Boase and Jon Buchanan, along with their coaching staff, for their outstanding leadership and dedication throughout the season.

A special mention also goes to Tyce Perren, who was deservedly named the McDonald’s Player of the Match for his standout performance in the Grand Final.

Congratulations to all players, coaches and staff involved in what has been an unforgettable campaign.

It was a big weekend across all grades, with finals footy, strong performances, and a special day off the field as the club came together for Ronald McDonald House Charity Day.

Our Cyril Connell Cup side made the trip to Townsville on Saturday for their semi-final clash with the Blackhawks and delivered when it mattered most, coming away with a 28–18 victory. The win secures their place in the Grand Final, where they’ll face the Norths Devils on Saturday, April 11 at 2PM at Kayo Stadium.

Back at home, our BRL side also put together a strong performance on Saturday, defeating the Redcliffe Dolphins 26–16 in a solid team display.

Sunday saw a full day of action at BMD Kougari Oval, kicking off with our Harvey Norman Under 19s in their semi-final against the Brisbane Tigers. Despite a strong effort, the girls went down 12–28, bringing their finals campaign to an end.

Our Mal Meninga Cup side followed and produced an exciting performance against the Mackay Cutters, running out 36–30 winners in a high-scoring contest.

In the final game of the day, our Hostplus Cup side also took on the Mackay Cutters in a hard-fought battle, with neither side able to be separated as the match finished in a 26-all draw.

Off the field, Sunday was made even more special as the club hosted Ronald McDonald House Charity Day, raising funds and awareness for an incredibly important cause. It was fantastic to see the community come together in support.

A big weekend all round, with plenty to look forward to as finals continue.

RIVALRY ROUND WRAP 🏉

Rivalry Round lived up to expectations as we went head-to-head with the Redcliffe Dolphins across all grades, delivering a weekend full of intensity, physicality, and standout performances. Our McDonald’s Academy program was the highlight, claiming a clean sweep of victories in an impressive showing of the club’s emerging talent.

McDONALD’S ACADEMY RESULTS

HARVEY NORMAN UNDER 17s
Our Under 17s opened the day with a thrilling 22–18 win in a tightly contested match. The side showed great resilience under pressure, defending strongly in the closing stages to hold out a fast-finishing Dolphins outfit. It was a composed performance built on effort, discipline, and the ability to capitalise on key moments.

HARVEY NORMAN UNDER 19s
The Under 19s carried that momentum into their clash, producing a confident 28–10 victory. Strong ball movement and control through the middle of the field laid the platform, while their defence limited Redcliffe’s opportunities. It was a well-rounded team performance with consistency across both halves.

CYRIL CONNELL CUP
In one of the most dominant performances of the round, our Cyril Connell Cup side powered to a 58–8 win. The team showcased their attacking depth, executing with speed and precision to pile on points. Their defensive effort matched their attack, keeping the Dolphins to minimal opportunities throughout the contest.

MAL MENINGA CUP
The Mal Meninga Cup side rounded out a perfect day for the Academy with a hard-fought 18–12 victory. In a physical and competitive match, the team showed grit and determination, working hard for each other and managing the game well in the closing stages to secure the result.

HOSTPLUS CUP

Our Hostplus Cup side also took on the Dolphins in Round 3 in what was a challenging contest against an experienced Redcliffe lineup. Despite a strong effort and periods of positive play, the team went down 36–16. There were encouraging signs throughout the match, particularly in patches where we were able to build pressure and create opportunities.

Rivalry Round proved to be a highly successful outing for our pathways program, with four wins from four underlining the strength and development within our junior ranks. The performances reflect the hard work being done across the club and provide plenty of confidence for the weeks ahead.

While the Hostplus Cup result didn’t fall our way, the group will take valuable lessons from the match as they continue to build combinations and push for improvement.

Thank you to all players, staff, and supporters for their continued commitment and support.