The Brisbane Broncos NRL club and the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Queensland Cup club have struck up a three-year partnership, which will pave the way for Wynnum players to have a direct passage into the Telstra Premiership competition.Wynnum was previously in a deal with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club but decided to sever ties with them and formed an affiliation with the Broncos in what they claim will be a win-win situation for both parties.
With the backing of the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Football and Leagues Clubs, the Seagulls Development Programme is one of the best in Brisbane and the club went in search to find a partner, which will suit them best to see their youngsters progress to the highest level.
Wynnum Chief Executive Mark Rockley said, “The final part of this structure was to secure an effective NRL partner that would best support our program. The partnership with the Broncos will provide a clear pathway for our juniors, as well as present the senior club with dual-registration opportunities for Seagulls players."There is also a wonderful opportunity for coaching development, at both senior and junior level. And we believe the longevity of the association, a three-year term also confirms the commitment of both parties."In return for what the Broncos can offer us, the Seagulls present the Broncos with one of the best Junior Rugby League strongholds in Brisbane. We boast an area that has a wealth of untapped talent and a professional development structure that is sure to provide Broncos players of the future.
"As well, the Seagulls senior club structure is one of the best in the Queensland Cup competition. With former English Super League coach Shane McNally now at the helm of our Junior Development program there has already been considerable progress at a junior level.
"Now that the partnership with the Broncos has been formalised, we can finalise the development plan that is sure to increase participation in the sport within the district as well as improve the skill level of players and coaches alike."Brisbane Broncos Managing Directo Bruno Cullen said, "I am not suggesting there has been any dilution of Rugby League, but to remain the strong force Queensland has been in the past we all have to work closely together. Developing NRL Rugby League players does not happen overnight. It involves a system, a production-like if you like, that starts when a kid first pulls on a pair of footy boots.“The Broncos are not suggesting we know everything about developing players, but we have had a lot of experience and a lot of success over 18 years. Our agenda is to give every aspiring NRL player the opportunity to achieve their goals, yet not leave Brisbane as a junior if their preference is to stay here.“The Wynnum Seagulls have a terrific structure in place and with the resources we can offer them, this association can only be a plus for Rugby League.”Brisbane's deal with Wynnum-Manly comes hot on the heels of striking up a partnership with the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Broncos continuing arrangement with the Toowoomba Clydesdales.New NRL franchise Gold Coast Titans recently struck up feeder, development and partnership arrangements with the Tweeds Heads, Burleigh Bears and Ipswich Jets Queensland Cup clubs.
The Broncos now have Wynnum in the East, Redcliffe in the North and Toowoomba in the far West all covered with the Gold Coast more focusing on the Gold Coast, Tweed and Ipswich areas. Norths Devils are still affiliated with the Melbourne Storm with many notable players coming through the Norths system to make the NRL with the latest rising star being outside back Greg Inglis.
With the backing of the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Football and Leagues Clubs, the Seagulls Development Programme is one of the best in Brisbane and the club went in search to find a partner, which will suit them best to see their youngsters progress to the highest level.
Wynnum Chief Executive Mark Rockley said, “The final part of this structure was to secure an effective NRL partner that would best support our program. The partnership with the Broncos will provide a clear pathway for our juniors, as well as present the senior club with dual-registration opportunities for Seagulls players."There is also a wonderful opportunity for coaching development, at both senior and junior level. And we believe the longevity of the association, a three-year term also confirms the commitment of both parties."In return for what the Broncos can offer us, the Seagulls present the Broncos with one of the best Junior Rugby League strongholds in Brisbane. We boast an area that has a wealth of untapped talent and a professional development structure that is sure to provide Broncos players of the future.
"As well, the Seagulls senior club structure is one of the best in the Queensland Cup competition. With former English Super League coach Shane McNally now at the helm of our Junior Development program there has already been considerable progress at a junior level.
"Now that the partnership with the Broncos has been formalised, we can finalise the development plan that is sure to increase participation in the sport within the district as well as improve the skill level of players and coaches alike."Brisbane Broncos Managing Directo Bruno Cullen said, "I am not suggesting there has been any dilution of Rugby League, but to remain the strong force Queensland has been in the past we all have to work closely together. Developing NRL Rugby League players does not happen overnight. It involves a system, a production-like if you like, that starts when a kid first pulls on a pair of footy boots.“The Broncos are not suggesting we know everything about developing players, but we have had a lot of experience and a lot of success over 18 years. Our agenda is to give every aspiring NRL player the opportunity to achieve their goals, yet not leave Brisbane as a junior if their preference is to stay here.“The Wynnum Seagulls have a terrific structure in place and with the resources we can offer them, this association can only be a plus for Rugby League.”Brisbane's deal with Wynnum-Manly comes hot on the heels of striking up a partnership with the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Broncos continuing arrangement with the Toowoomba Clydesdales.New NRL franchise Gold Coast Titans recently struck up feeder, development and partnership arrangements with the Tweeds Heads, Burleigh Bears and Ipswich Jets Queensland Cup clubs.
The Broncos now have Wynnum in the East, Redcliffe in the North and Toowoomba in the far West all covered with the Gold Coast more focusing on the Gold Coast, Tweed and Ipswich areas. Norths Devils are still affiliated with the Melbourne Storm with many notable players coming through the Norths system to make the NRL with the latest rising star being outside back Greg Inglis.