Following on from a successful 2021, which saw the Tweed Seagulls play finals football following a top four regular season finish, the side is looking to build into 2022 with some experienced names joining them in their campaign.
“We’ve managed to maintain a lot of our roster (from last season), so we’re getting to know how they play and they’re settling into the way that we coach as well,” coach Ben Woolf said at the club’s recent season launch.
“We’ve made some good additions to our squad as well, so we’re looking to improve on what we did last year.”
Two key signings looking to be significant contributors playing in key positions this year are Jaline Graham and Craig Garvey (main image).
Graham comes to Tweed after playing rugby union, but has previously played with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NSW Cup competition.
Garvey has extensive experience in the game following stints at St George Illawarra Dragons, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters, as well as representative appearances with the NRL Indigenous All Stars and New Souths Wales Under 20 side.
“They’ve both had good pre-season blocks with us and have been training well,” Woolf told Tweed Media during the trials.
“It’ll be good to see them in action, and whilst they are playing in important positions, they also need the guys around them to assist so they can use their skills to the best of their ability.”
Another two off-season recruits are Reuben Porter and Ioane Seiuli, who is returning to the Seagulls after one year away playing with Brisbane Tigers.
“They are both good players and add to the depth we have in the back row there,” Woolf said.
“These two guys have come in and have both had a great attitude and provided plenty of talk around the group at training.”
The Seagulls will launch the Hostplus Cup season this Saturday against Brisbane Tigers.
Match: Seagulls v Tigers
Round 1 -
home Team
Seagulls
9th Position
away Team
Tigers
6th Position
Venue: Piggabeen Sports Complex, Tweed Heads
This year, you can sign up to watch all QRL statewide competition matches at QPlus.tv. This weekend, enjoy the QPlus launch offer of free access to all Hostplus Cup Round 1 games.
Tweed Seagulls gains and losses
Gains: Jaline Graham (Newtown), Rei Rei Marsh (Sydney Roosters), Reuben Porter (North Sydney Bears), Craig Garvey (Canberra Raiders), Scott Galeano (Thirroul), Ioane Seiuli (Brisbane Tigers)
Losses: Brayden McGrady (Norths Devils), Liam Hampson (Redcliffe Dolphins), Luke Jurd (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Jack Mackin (retired), Stuart Mason (Mt Prichard), Kirk Murphy (retired), Fetuli Talanoa (retired), Jack Cook (released), Faitotoa Faitotoa (released), Zev John (released), Ethan O'Neill (released), Talor Walters (released)
Other Hostplus Cup club gains and losses
PNG Hunters: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Brisbane Tigers: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Burleigh Bears: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Norths Devils: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Redcliffe Dolphins: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Sunshine Coast Falcons: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Souths Logan Magpies: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Townsville Blackhawks: Cup gains and losses for 2022
*Submissions made by clubs and correct at time of publication.
