BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls held our 2022 Presentation Gala on Friday night at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club.
The final event for the season, the Gala was attended by players and their families, coaching staff and club sponsors. It was also livestreamed on our Facebook page.
Kalolo Saitaua claimed the top Men’s award, being named the Hostplus Cup Player of the Year.
Saitaua had a fantastic 2022 season with the Gulls, scoring 8 tries, breaking countless tackles, and running for over 2000m in 19 games, generally starting from the bench.
He has also earnt a train-and-trial deal with the Brisbane Broncos for their upcoming preseason.
Saitaua thanked the departing Adam Brideson for bringing him to the Bayside at the beginning of the 2018 season and for moulding him into the player he has become today.
In the BMD Premiership Women’s team, Jazmon Tupou-Witchman claimed the Player of the Year.
In an exciting week for Jaz, she was also named in the Cook Islands World Cup team, and will travel to the UK shortly to compete for her country.
Departing coaches Adam Brideson and Michael Dobson, as well as former CEO Hanan Laban, were honoured with a presentation by Chairman Tom Solah for their outstanding service to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Each spoke about the enjoyable times they have had at the club, thanking many people for their respective success, and wishing the club well in the future. These three men will leave a big hole in the club after each holding their positions for 5+ years.
Chairman Tom Solah also awarded Life Membership to three significant contributors to the Seagulls. As the highest honour that the club can bestow upon an individual, the Seagulls were excited to present Life Membership to Paul Green, Jim Lewis and Ken Churchill.
Kerry Crosbie and Kevin Creese were also recognised for their extended service to the club over two decades, with a special speech from Head Coach Adam Brideson.
See a full list of the awards and recognitions below:
Hostplus Cup
Wynnum Manly Leagues Club Player of the Year – Kalolo Saitaua
BMD Players’ Player – Harrison Graham
Mitch Cronin Medal – Matiu Love-Henry
Wynnum Manly Old Boys Most Diligent Player – Sam Scarlett
Anthony Schweitzer Memorial Trophy for Supporter’s Award – Sam Scarlett
BMD Premiership
Player of the Year – Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
Players’ Player – Essay Banu
Hastings Deering Colts
Player of the Year – Nathan Ward
Players’ Player – Luke Philp
Trevor Neibling Shield for Best Junior to Senior – Max Plath
McDonalds Seagulls Academy
U19s Girls Player of the Year – Jaydah Tofae
U19s Girls Players’ Player – Emma Barnes
U18s Player of the Year – Felix Faatili
U18s Players’ Player – Jeremy Trappett
U16s Player of the Year – Zac Herdegen
U16s Players’ Player – Zac Herdegen
Life Membership
Paul Green
Jim Lewis
Ken Churchill
Special Awards
Recognition of Service – Hanan Laban
Recognition of Service – Adam Brideson
Recognition of Service – Michael Dobson
Recognition of Service – Kerry ‘Binga’ Crosbie
Recognition of Service – Kevin Creese
Arch Geary Volunteer of the Year – Lyn Holleran