Onto “better and bigger things.” Wayne Weekes has been appointed Wynnum Manly Seagulls CEO. He will take over from Hanan Laban who recently stepped down to assume a new role with the Dolphins NRL.
Weekes joins the Seagulls, based at Kougari Oval in Manly West, bringing his extensive experience in rugby league as a player, coach, manager and administrator. He worked with the Brisbane Broncos as Coaching Director/Operations Manager in the Western Corridor as a member of the Brisbane Broncos Game Development Department and also oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos.
Wayne joined the Panthers in 2016 as the coaching director as a partnership with the Brisbane Broncos, His efforts around the club to develop a culture and mold young players were second to none,” West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club’s social media post reads.
“Wayne’s work in establishing our development programs and coaching education at the club are just 2 of his many achievements during his tenure.
“Wayne will be missed at the club and there some big shoes to fill moving forward.”
Weekes likewise 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.”
As for his immediate plans for the club, that would be to land in the top four next year and said he is looking forward to the new and young players and everyone else involved in the club as they move forward building on their previous successes.