Wynnum Manly junior rugby league in the best shape it’s ever been

Wynnum Manly rugby league is arguably in the best shape it’s ever been with the area’s junior club achieving record results.

Andrew O'Toole (centre) of Wynnum Manly and Trent Mehlert (left) of Rochedale during the Under-17 rugby league competition. Picture: AAP Image/Regi Varghese

WYNNUM Manly rugby league is in arguably the best shape it’s ever been.

Yes, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Intrust Super Cup senior side is looking like a real premiership contender, but the best signs are coming from the club’s junior affiliate.

The Wynnum Manly juniors had a record nine teams qualify semi-finals at the weekend with one already progressing to the grand final and eight more to play this weekend.

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Seagulls juniors president Adam Lipke said the success on the field was also coming off the back of other improvements the Stradbroke Ave club had made in recent years.

He also praised former Norths Devils Intrust Super Cup coach and current Wynnum Manly coach and development director Mark Gliddon’s efforts in helping the club reach new heights.

“It’s been a great couple of years for the club, we’ve made a real effort to improve the club in every area possible,” Lipke said.

“That includes all the facilities so our members and athletes have the best possible facilities available to help their development but to also help the club’s sustainability.

Hayden Irvine of Wynnum Manly under pressure from Ezekiel Laumantia-Tupou of Rochedale. Picture: AAP Image/Regi Varghese

“Through the efforts of our volunteers over the years we have been able to achieve a lot of things and I think that has been a major influence on our results on the field as well.

“Mark (Gliddon) has been incredible for our club though. We made the decision to employ someone full-time a couple of years ago and he has really helped take the club to a new level.

“His experience and ability to help these young athletes has been amazing and he’s a huge reason for how we’ve had so many teams perform the way they have this year.”