Memory of former skipper Mitch Cronin still inspiring the Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Motivated by their inspiring former skipper, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls are ready to bring home another premiership for the historic club.

This time two years ago, it was his best mate who led the Wynnum Manly Seagulls out to the field in the historic rugby league club’s eighth state league grand final.

But this Sunday, with the memory of his former skipper Mitch Cronin at the forefront of his mind, current Seagulls captain and gun halfback Sam Scarlett will have the chance to finish what they started together.

Cronin, a former Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos squad member who died suddenly in April last year, has definitely not been forgotten by his former teammates that he went into battle with in the famous green, red and white jersey every weekend.

Former Seagulls captain Mitch Cronin, who passed away last year. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

His memory still inspires the current crop of Seagulls, which can be seen in different ways on the field, such as ‘Cro’ written on the tape of some players.

And while Cronin and Wynnum Manly fell just short of bringing home the iconic club’s seventh premiership in 2019, losing to the Burleigh Bears, his presence will be felt as Adam Brideson’s side tries to go one step further at Moreton Daily Stadium on Sunday.

“A lot of the boys have their own connection and motivation through Cro,” Scarlett said.

“For me, of course he will always be by my side.

Jack Ahearn from Norths Devils and Sam Scarlett from Wynnum Manly Seagulls ahead of the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final at Moreton Daily Stadium. (Image/Josh Woning)

“Seeing the team and club win a premiership would mean everything to him.”

The grand final comes just four months after the club held the inaugural Mitch Cronin Memorial Game against Souths Logan, where Scarlett also declared this season would be dedicated to their former leader.

“Every time I run out (for the Seagulls) it hits me a bit,” he said before the memorial game.

“For me, there’s no doubt this year is for him.”

Set to lead his team in the Intrust Super Cup grand final, as Cronin did in 2019, Scarlett said it was an amazing feeling to be back in the decider.

“It’s great to be back in the grand final and obviously we’re hoping to go one better this year,” he said.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls captain Sam Scarlett. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“It’s an honour for me to lead the boys out, especially for such a proud club like Wynnum.

“A premiership would just top off a great year for the club.”

Scarlett also believed the Wynnum faithful would take over the home of their traditional rivals on Sunday to cheer them on against the Norths Devils.

“I’m sure most of the bayside will get out to the game, we have the best supporters in the competition,” he said.

The Seagulls will feature heavily on the final day of the season with the Colts to take on Townsville in their grand final at 12.45pm followed by the ISC decider at 3.15pm