rugby league Archives

Wynnum Manly Seagulls Prepare for a Stronger 2025

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls have wrapped up their 2024 season following a hard-fought elimination final against the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby.

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Wynnum Manly Seagulls end season in PNG

After getting the 8th spot on the ladder with a Round 23 loss to the Brisbane Tigers, the Seagulls faced the tough challenge of playing away at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Despite starting strong with an 8th-minute try from Connor Broadhurst, followed by a conversion and penalty kick by Bryce Donovan, the Seagulls trailed 16-8 at halftime.

The second half was a battle for possession, but a 59th-minute try by the Hunters and a late field goal secured a 23-8 victory for the home side.

2024 in review

The Seagulls finished the 2024 season with a 10-9-1 record, falling just one point shy of last year’s total. Their home form was particularly strong, with an impressive 5-3-1 record at BMD Kougari Oval. The team kicked off the season with four consecutive wins on home turf, giving fans plenty to cheer about.

Though the season ended earlier than hoped, the club highlighted several key improvements both on and off the field, laying a solid foundation for future success.

Looking ahead to 2025

As the Seagulls look towards the 2025 season, they are excited to announce the opening of applications for their TAFE at School Program.

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Based at the Kougari Oval, this initiative allows high school students to combine their passion for rugby league with education, offering them a unique pathway to both personal and professional growth.

Visit here for more details.

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As the Wynnum Manly Seagulls reflect on their 2024 season and gear up for 2025, the club remains committed to excellence both on the field and in developing the next generation of rugby league professionals.

Published 06-September-2024

WM Seagulls vs Bears: Burleigh Ends Wynnum Manly Win Streak

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls’ impressive four-game winning streak comes to a halt as they suffer a 28-14 defeat at the hands of the Burleigh Bears in Round 12. WM Seagulls vs Bears kicked off Saturday, June 1, at Kougari Oval.

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WM Seagulls vs Bears

The second-placed Bears raced to an early 14-0 lead after scoring tries in the 2nd, 8th, and 12th minutes.

Cory Paix managed to get the first-placed Seagulls on the board with a strong effort from close range. However, the home side trailed 14-6 at the halftime break, with Paix being denied another try moments before the break.

The Seagulls continue their trend of scoring early in the second half, as Jon Reuben crosses over in the 42nd minute to make it 14-10. The Bears respond with tries in the 53rd and 64th minutes to extend their lead to 24-10.

Justin Frain scores out wide for the Seagulls in the 74th minute, but it proves to be a consolation as the Bears add a late try to seal a 28-14 victory.

Onto the Tigers

The Seagulls’ attention now turns to their Round 13 clash against their nearest rivals, the Brisbane Tigers. The match kicks off 3:00 p.m. on June 8 at Totally Workwear Stadium.

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The Seagulls faithful are expected to turn out in force to support their team as they look to bounce back from the disappointing loss against the Bears.

Published 07-June-2024

Rugby Legend Shane McNally Remembered Ahead of 1983 BRL Grand Final Anniversary

With the 40th anniversary of Easts Tigers’ 1983 BRL premiership win over Redcliffe Dolphins just a week away, Shane McNally’s contributions to the club and code are being fondly remembered. McNally, a legendary figure in Brisbane rugby league and former coach of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, passed away last month at the age of 69.

As a player, McNally represented both Queensland Country and Queensland in the front row. He played more than 100 games for the Easts Tigers, including their 1982 State League title and 1983 BRL premiership.

Starring role in memorable 1983 BRL Grand Final

In the 1983 BRL Grand Final, Shane McNally kicked three goals as Easts defeated Redcliffe 14-6 in front of 25,000 fans at Lang Park. His steady boot helped the Tigers to a 2-0 half-time lead.

Weeks after the 1983 decider, McNally toured England with a pioneering Queensland side that beat Wigan and Leeds. He kicked eleven goals in those two victories.

A career of class on and off the field

At the Tigers, McNally still holds the club records for most points scored (871) and most goals kicked (406) in a career. He was the competition’s top scorer on three occasions.

After hanging up his boots in 1984, McNally took up coaching. He coached Easts in the 1987 BRL season, the last before the formation of the Brisbane Broncos.

He coached the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 63 Queensland Cup games between 2007 and 2009, reaching the final in 2008.

In administration roles with organisations like Queensland Rugby League and Rugby League Brisbane, McNally contributed to improvements across the code at junior and senior levels.

Shane McNally has dedicated his life to the development of rugby league in Queensland. As the 40th anniversary of Easts’ 1983 premiership approaches, his passion and dedication to the club and the game will be remembered and celebrated.

Published 11 September 2023