A NEW era has started at the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with The Courier-Mail medallist Patrick Templeman announced as the new Intrust Super Cup captain earlier this week.
Templeman takes over from Tim Natusch, who will put aside retirement plans and will play on as part of the team’s leadership group.
The former Canterbury Bulldogs squad member was instrumental for the Seagulls last season which led to the five-eighth being named the competition’s best and fairest.
Seagulls coach Jon Buchanan said he felt Templeman’s leadership qualities made him the perfect candidate to lead Wynnum Manly.
“Last year he led from the front on the field, but is also a great team-mate and can be vocal as well,” Buchanan said.
“I just feel all the guys who were part of the back-to-back premierships in 2011 and 2012 would probably retire around the same time and I didn’t want to be left in a sticky situation when that happens.
“At just 22-years-old, Patrick is a guy who can take us forward for a long time.”
After announcing the decision, Buchanan praised the efforts and leadership of the team’s veterans.
“Guys like Tim (Natusch) and Matty Seamark have been great in supporting the decision and they’re still a huge part of the team,” he said.
“It will be great for Patty to have those guys there while he learns the ropes a bit.”
*This first appeared on Quest News as: Templeman named as captain of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls
