Mal Meninga Cup winning coach Eugene Seddon departs the Western Mustangs

Western Mustangs and U21s coach Eugene Seddon part ways for the remainder of the Hastings Deering Colts season.

(From left) Cory Paix, Eugene Seddon and Denzel Burns celebrate their Mal Meninga Cup grand final win. Photo: File

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Mustangs will forge ahead in the Hastings Deering Colts season under new guidance, with a coaching change to take immediate effect.

Eugene Seddon. who was a part of the Mustangs coaching staff from their inception, has stepped down from the role as head coach of the under-21s team.

Seddon holds a special place in Mustangs folklore, leading the U18 Mal Meninga Cup side to a premiership victory in 2017.

“There’s a bit of mixed emotions after the fact and having been there since the inception,” Seddon said.

“Brock Diment racing 40m to seal the Mal Meninga Cup, lifting the trophy and travelling to Sydney to take on the Eels in the national final is a clear highlight.

“In terms of leaving a footprint, helping to set up the football department and making it a lot more professional is something I’m proud of.”

Seddon said having the chance to give players an opportunity at the statewide level is something that he will look back fondly on.

“As an U18s and U21s coach you’re in the development game,” he said.

“It’s always good to see players progress to the next level, and give players the chance to progress.

“Fortunately a few have gone on and it’s always satisfying to know you’ve played a little part in their journey.”

Brendan Wilson, who coached the U18s this season, will take over the reins for the rest of the season.

“Myself and the board would like to thank Eugene for all of his work in developing so many talented players from our region over the years. The Mal Meninga Cup premiership win is a proud moment for the Mustangs and he played a significant role in that triumph,” Mustangs chairman Michael Burns said.

“We now look forward to having Brendan share his knowledge of the game with our Colts squad and seeing what they can achieve together.”

The Western Mustangs continue their Hastings Deering Colts campaign against Souths-Logan at Davies Park on Sunday.