A concerted effort to throw the ball around has helped the Wynnum Manly Seagulls snap an early season form slump in two grades.
The club’s Brisbane Rugby League side drew and lost their first two matches, while the Seagulls’ Intrust Super outfit were left at the foot of the ladder after a horror 0-6 start.
But over the past month things have started to look a bit rosier at Kourgari Oval.
The Seagulls’ BRL side – last year’s runners up - have rocketed to second with four straight wins, while the ISC team have notched three in a row.
BRL coach Ron Troutman says the turnaround was sparked by a decision to throw some caution into the wind with the footy.
“There was no crisis meeting or anything like that,” he said.
“Both sides have tried to bring in a bit more variety and it (the improvement in form) just seems to have happened around the same time
“But there’s a great feel at the moment, things are definitely a little more up tempo and there are a few more smiles around the place.”
The decision to add a little more flair to their play has paid dividends, with the Seagulls racking up 124 points in the past month.
“Last year we were very much a powerhouse team but we’ve added a few extra things ... it’s made it more fun for the boys too,” Troutman added.
His side has welcomed the return of key playmakers with experienced half Matt Smith and hooker Alehana Mara back in the side.
However, Troutman paid tribute to Colts playmaker Brayden Josephs who made the step up like a duck to water in Smith’s absence.
“Brayden did a fantastic job in the games he played for us,” he said.
“He’s had to go back to Colts now though.”
The Seagulls face a rocks-or-diamonds Carina on Saturday, who are coming off a high-scoring win over Normanby.
“We’ve just got to play our own game and not get drawn into anything else,” Troutman said.
In this week's live stream game, West Brisbane host Valleys with both teams desperate to get off the foot of the ladder. You can watch the game from 4pm on Saturday via the link below.
ROUND SEVEN
Saturday, May 21
Ipswich Jets v Easts Tigers at North Ipswich Reserve, 2:15pm
Normanby Hounds v Logan Brothers at Purtell Park, 3pm
Carina v Wynnum Manly Redland City at Leo Williams, 3pm
West Brisbane Panthers v Valleys Diehards at Frank Lind Oval, 4pm - LIVE STREAM
Sunday, May 22
Redcliffe Dolphins v Gaters at Dolphin Oval, 12.15pm
