A mix of rising young stars, experienced Cup campaigners and a sprinkling of worldly travellers will make the Tweed Heads Seagulls their home next season.
Inaugural Queensland Under 20 State of Origin representative Brandon Tago (Roosters NYC) and Macauley Dawson, Nathan Portelli and Ethan Price (all from the Gold Coast NYC) head the contingent of young players, while Doug Hewitt (Mackay Cutters), Sam Meskell (Burleigh Bears) and Mark Offerdahl (Illawarra Cutters) have all been Cup regulars.
A number of players will be returning “home” to the club after stints away, with Shaun Carney (Norths Devils), Jake Leary (Illawarra Cutters) and Tom Dawney (Philadelphia Fight) amongst those coming back to the coast.
While the list of gains is extensive, the Seagulls have a lot of experience to make up, with skipper Matt King (retired), Cory Blair (Bilambil) and Tom Merritt (NSW Sevens) just some of the key players who have parted with the club in the off-season.
Tweed Heads Seagulls
Gains: Brandon Tago (Roosters NYC), Shaun Carney (Norths Devils), Sam Meskell (Burleigh Bears), Dane Clarke (Burleigh Bears), Macauley Dawson (Gold Coast Titans NYC), Nathan Portelli (Gold Coast Titans NYC), Ethan Price (Gold Coast Titans NYC), Doug Hewitt (Mackay Cutters), Tim Cassidy (Currumbin), Paul Sheedy (Philippines Tamaraws), Jaz Dawson (Southport), Tyrone Studer (Southport), Alex Grant (Cowboys NYC), Chris Binge (Bulldogs NSW Cup), Tom Dawney (Philadelphia Fight), Mark Offerdahl (Illawarra Cutters), Jeff Moate (Illawarra Cutters), Jake Leary (Illawarra Cutters), Hemi Mullen (Byron Bay), Kobi Mills (Murwillumbah), Randall Briggs (Macquarie)
Losses: Matt King (retired), Cory Blair (Bilambil), Tom Merritt (NSW Sevens), Jahrome Hughes (Townsville), Trent Richardson (Redcliffe Dolphins), Reg Saunders (Redcliffe Dolphins), Ayden Lee (Burleigh Bears), Pele Peletelese (Burleigh Bears), Michael Burgess (France)
Coach: Aaron Zimmerle
Home Ground: Piggabeen Sports
2014 Finish: 4th (15 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses)
Intrust Super Cup Gains and Losses:
PNG Hunters
Central Queensland Capras
Ipswich Jets
Mackay Cutters
Sunshine Coast Falcons
Souths Logan Magpies
Northern Pride
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Burleigh Bears
Redcliffe Dolphins
Norths Devils
