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.

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-October-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

Seagulls vs Dolphins: Old Gulls Day Rivalry Clash

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls are gearing up for a highly anticipated Hostplus Cup clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins this Sunday, March 24, at BMD Kougari Oval. Seagulls vs Dolphins promises to be a thrilling spectacle for local residents and dedicated fans alike.

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Thrilling victory over Capras in the BMD Premiership

Heading into Old Gulls Day, the Seagulls are riding high on the momentum of a hard-fought 24-22 victory over the Central QLD Capras in Rockhampton last weekend. The BMD Premiership team showcased remarkable resilience, weathering an early storm to establish a commanding 18-0 lead, courtesy of tries from Lilly Green, Julia Robinson, Destiny Mino-Sinapati, and Karina Brown.

Despite the Capras’ spirited comeback, which narrowed the gap to just two points, the Seagulls held their nerve, with Destiny Mino-Sinapati scoring a crucial try and Brianna Clark converting to secure the 24-22 triumph.

In the Hostplus Cup, however, the Seagulls experienced a setback in their season opener, suffering a 36-22 loss away against the Hunters on March 9.

Old Gulls Day festivities

This Sunday’s clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins holds special significance as it marks both the QRL’s Rivalry Round and the Seagulls’ Old Gulls Day celebration. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the two teams renew their storied rivalry on the field.

Rugby league enthusiasts can catch all the action from the BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup matches, which will be broadcast live and free on Kayo Freebies, Channel 9Now, and QPlus TV.

The BMD Premiership match against the Tigers kicks off at 1:35 PM, while the Seagulls vs Dolphins Hostplus Cup clash will round out the day’s proceedings at 3:40 PM.

WM Seagulls vs Dolphins: last year’s matchup

In a closely contested match, the Seagulls edged out their rivals by a mere two points, with a conversion from Josh Rogers separating the two sides in a 28-26 scoreline.

WM Seagulls vs Dolphins: last year's matchup
Photo Credit: QRL

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With the fervour of the Rivalry Round and Old Gulls Day festivities, fans can expect an unforgettable day of top-notch rugby league action at BMD Kougari Oval.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls are proudly sponsored by

Published 21-March-2024

Giant Teenager Ben Te Kura Primed for Broncos Debut against Wynnum Manly

The Brisbane Broncos will field the tallest player in NRL history in Ben Te Kura when they take on Wynnum Manly in a preseason trial this Saturday night.



Benjamin Te Kura, teenage giant

Nineteen-year-old prop Ben Te Kura stands at a towering 205cm (6ft 9in). At 125kg, he has the size to match up with the biggest men in the NRL.

Te Kura exceeds the height of past giants like 201cm duo Garrick Morgan and Phil Mann. He also out-measures current monster forwards like the 200cm Nelson Asofa-Solomona and 197cm Tino Fa’asuamaleaui .

Raw talent with ‘enormous’ potential

Benjamin Te Kura
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

Te Kura remains raw and is still learning from Broncos veterans. But club great Corey Parker believes he has enormous potential. Former Bronco Tevita Pangai Jr labelled the youngster “a beast of a kid.”

The focus will be on Te Kura maintaining fitness to handle the pace of the NRL. The Broncos have him signed through 2026 to develop.

Junior star building hype

A Redcliffe junior, Te Kura attended Wavell High – the alma mater of hero Greg Inglis. He plays an aggressive front row style, powering through the line.



Te Kura debuted in a Broncos trial in 2021 aged 17. He returns to Kougari Oval on Saturday to kickstart his case for an NRL debut this season.

Published 09-February-2024

Wynnum Manly Legend Ross Nunn Reflects on Decorated Career

After winning the 1971 grand final with the Booval Swifts, talented player Ross Nunn headed to the bay to join the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 1972. This kicked off an illustrious career with the Seagulls, where Nunn contributed greatly before returning to Ipswich later in his career.



Tough early years at Wynnum Manly

In the early 1970s, Wynnum Manly was struggling, winning just two games in 1972 and three in 1973. Nunn recalls that coach Jim Lewis, father of future star Wally Lewis, was fantastic but results were not there yet.

Under new coach Tom Berry in 1975, Wynnum Manly finally broke a 16-year finals drought. Nunn has fond memories of their incredible upset win over favourites Easts Tigers late in the season. However, they could not replicate this performance against the Redcliffe Dolphins the following week.

Nev Hornery’s brutal style transforms club

Nev Hornery
Photo Credit: Seagulls Forever

According to Nunn, the arrival of “Nasty Nev” Hornery in 1977 was transformative for Wynnum Manly. Hornery brought a new level of ruthlessness and winning mentality. Nunn never played against Hornery but understands why he struck fear in opponents.

Fond memories of talented teammates

Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Photo Credit: Seagulls Forever

Nunn looks back fondly on the many great players from Ipswich he got to play alongside in Brisbane. Talented players like Jeff Denman, Ian Robson, and John Crilly made the transition easier. He particularly recalls Tony Obst as one of the best he played with and against.



Ross Nunn is proud to have played a role in Wynnum Manly’s journey from strugglers to powerhouse. His fondest memories are of the club’s incredible supporters and the strong parallels with his hometown of Ipswich.

Published 30-December-2023

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

Shane McNally
Photo Credit: QRL

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

Hostplus Cup: Wynnum Manly Seagulls Dominate Northern Pride, Strengthen Top Three Spot

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls strengthened their top three spot with a dominant 30-14 win over the Northern Pride (6th) last Saturday.



The following day, Redcliffe Dolphins (5th) and Tweed Seagulls (7th) hosted the inaugural Liam Hampson Cup. It was an emotional and nail-biting encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last minute. The Dolphins held on for a thrilling 26-24 victory that left fans breathless.

In another match, ladder leaders Souths Logan Magpies dominated the Sunshine Coast Falcons (9th) by a score of 34-22. The win keeps the Magpies at the top of the ladder for now.

The Burleigh Bears (2nd) clashed with the PNG Hunters (10th) and came out on top 30-22. The win kept the Bears in contention for the top spot on the ladder. The Bears are now level on points with the Magpies with a game in hand.



The top positions on the Hostplus Cup ladder remain unchanged as a result of these victories.

With their victory, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls enjoy a one point lead over fourth place with a game in hand.

Despite their defeat, the Sunshine Coast Falcons remain in contention and currently occupy ninth place on the ladder. 

Northern Pride’s defeat saw them drop to seventh, while the Tweed Seagulls are now eighth. The defeat suffered by the PNG Hunters pushed them down to 11th.

Stay tuned for more high-octane rugby league action in the Hostplus Cup.

Published 12 July 2023

Wayne Weekes Assumes New Role With Wynnum Manly Seagulls

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 Weekes oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos
Wayne Weekes oversaw West Arana Hills RLFC which is a core feeder club for the Broncos. Photo credit: Facebook / West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club

“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.