Love-Henry: 'I obviously want to win one, that's for sure'

Wynnum Manly Seagulls second rower Matiu Love-Henry says there is "an energy" around club getting him excited to run out in red and green for season 2022.

Love-Henry, 26, was part of the 2019 and 2021 Cup sides to make the grand final and falter at the finish line - and he doesn't want a bar of that situation again.

"The one game you want to win all year... it was obviously disappointing, but it has fuelled the fire again, to go again," Love-Henry said of Wynnum Manly's 16-10 loss to Norths Devils last season. 

In 2019, the previous grand final with the absence of one in 2020 due to COVID-19, it was Burleigh Bears who beat Wynnum Manly. 

"We're looking good for this year... we've got heaps of young players but young players obviously bring excitement," Love-Henry said.

"I can definitely feel the energy around the club and they've bought in straight away to what we've been doing the past two, three years."

Love-Henry, who made his Cup debut in 2016 for the Devils, but is now entering his fourth year at Wynnum Manly, said pre-season had been "really good".

"Really tough but smart at the same time," Love-Henry said, adding "there's a lot of good, young talent and hopefully they keep the club strong".

"There's actually quite a few who have been impressing me, a few younger boys. One of the young back rowers, Bailey (Hartwig), has really impressed me. Obviously Hopey (Tristan Hope) is stepping up. He's definitely a leader and definitely good to have around.

"Personally, I obviously want to win one, that's for sure. We've been to two and lost them both. To win one is definitely the main goal, but probably just to bring the young players through and let them lead because we won't be around for ages. 

"I'm 26 now, so getting really old."

The roofer, who played 17 Cup games in 2021 and scored five tries, said he was determined to have a good season - "to try and stay on the field for the season, fit and healthy", and his focus was on fitness. 

"Getting fitter and just being more of a voice, especially on my edge with some younger players," Love-Henry said.

"I'm definitely ready for a big season. We all are."

Wynnum Manly Hostplus Cup coach Adam Brideson said he was looking for leadership from Love-Henry.

"Obviously he understands what the club is about now and understands what we stand for and what we want to represent," Brideson said.

"He has done a fantastic job during the pre-season. He brings a real presence.

"Obviously he's been around for a long time now and understands what it takes to get it done. He's a really good voice defensively for us and obviously carries the ball really well. He does a really good job out there for us. Just wants to win."

Wynnum Manly face Burleigh Bears in Round 1.