Manly’s footy pride steps up to the state stage, with five Wynnum Manly Seagulls named in the Under-17 City squad for the City vs. Country clash. Selected for their standout junior form, they’ll represent Brisbane’s southeast on April 16 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
A Big Day for Local Footy
The Under-17 City vs. Country matches are part of Queensland Rugby League’s development program, featuring top young talent from across the state. Boys and girls take part in a four-day camp with training and high-performance education ahead of the games.
The Manly-based Seagulls club has made its presence known this year with five boys chosen for the City team. Representing Wynnum Manly are:
- Lachlan Hooker
- Franck Iraguha
- Ezekiel Jones
- Koby McGarrity
- Dean Tauaa
All five have stood out through their junior competitions, showing strong skills, teamwork, and leadership on the field. Their selection is not just a personal achievement, but a moment of pride for their families, schools, and the wider Bayside community.
Recognition for the Club
Wynnum Manly Seagulls’ strong junior program continues to produce top talent, with this year’s City selections showcasing players who’ve risen through the club’s youth system, backed by dedicated coaches and staff.
Coaches Shayne Boyd, Will Pei, and Steve Crawford will lead the boys’ camp, with past support from Manly club staff helping build a strong culture of growth and community in rep rugby league.
Looking Ahead to Game Day
The City vs. Country match is more than just a curtain-raiser for bigger competitions, it’s a crucial step in the representative pathway. Many past players have gone on to wear the Maroons jersey or sign with NRL clubs after taking part in this level of play.
For the five Wynnum Manly players, this is a milestone worth celebrating. It recognises years of training, dedication, and passion. It also offers a chance to grow, learn, and play alongside other top-tier juniors from around the state.
Kickoff for the boys’ match is at 1:00pm, following the girls’ match at 11:30am. Both games will be held at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane.
A Community Moment
This selection is not only a personal win for the boys and their families, but a reminder of how strong grassroots footy remains in Manly. The support from the club and local community plays a big part in shaping these young players. With continued encouragement, these five may soon be household names in the sport.
Congratulations to Lachlan, Franck, Ezekiel, Koby, and Dean — your community is proud, and all of Manly is behind you.
Published 9-April-2025
