Following an extensive search and interview process, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls have today announced Wayne Weekes as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Weekes comes to the Seagulls with extensive experience in rugby league as a player, coach, manager and administrator.
Weekes comes to the Gulls from the Brisbane Broncos where he was working as Coaching Director/Operations Manager in the Western Corridor as a member of the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Department.
Weekes has deep knowledge of pathway programs and oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos, not dissimilar to the affiliate relationship Wynnum-Manly shares with the Brisbane NRL club.
Weekes has previously held key administration and development roles with the Newcastle Knights, National Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, NSW Rugby League, and NSW Country Rugby League.
“Rugby league has been my life and I have been fortunate enough to admire Wynnum-Manly from outside the walls for many years,” Weekes said.
“It is a great club, steeped in tradition. Many times, I have been with clubs or teams in the away dressing shed and usually on the losing end of the scoreline.
“I have always admired the passion of the fan and sponsor base and the culture of the playing group. When the opportunity arose to help lead the Seagulls into the next chapter, I was very keen to get involved and be part of it.
“It is an exciting time to come on board, with Mat Head to lead a new look football program and re-energised playing group. I can’t wait to get started.”
Weekes will start in the role in early November and Seagulls Chairman Tom Solah said he was thrilled to have someone with Weekes’ experience stepping in.
“We were fortunate to have a great CEO in Hanan Laban for a long period of time, and he was never going to be easy to replace,” Solah said.
“But Wayne brings great knowledge and credibility to the post. He has strong connections throughout Queensland rugby league and importantly with our affiliate partner, the Brisbane Broncos.
“Wayne is eager to get started, to connect with sponsors and fans and to ensure we hit the ground running in 2023 with an elite pathways program and high performing Hostplus Cup team.”