The progression of the Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls to become among the two most successful Queensland Rugby League clubs in the past two (completed) seasons has been confirmed by having all three senior teams again qualify for the finals series.
With the fourth-placed Intrust Super Cup side and the sixth-placed under-21 Hastings Deering Cup teams playing at Brisbane’s Bishop Park this Sunday, it gives Tweed a second ‘clean sweep’ as finals contenders after the under-18 Mal Meninga Cup side won back-to-back titles.
Wynnum Manly is the only other club to achieve the feat of qualifying teams for the finals in all three grades in the past two seasons. The success comes in 2019 and 2021 due to the 2020 competitions being abandoned after just one round.
The ISC side, coached by Ben Woolf, will take on minor premiers Norths Devils at 3.05pm on Sunday, with Matt Kings’ Colts playing at 12.45pm.
“It is very rewarding to, in as year that has been so challenging for the community as well as our club, have all three teams yet again reach the finals despite some obvious hurdles they’ve had to overcome,” said Seagulls CEO Matt Francis.
“It’s a great credit to the coaching staff led by Ben Woolf and football manager David Penna and their support staff.
“They, along with Colts coach Matt King and Mal Meninga Cup coach Tim Maccan – both tremendous long-term servants of this club – provide the equal of any development program I have come across in my many years involved in the game.
“The fact that we have seen players like Xavier Coates, Toby Sexton, Reece Walsh, Tom Dearden and Brendan Piakura come through our under-18s sides to the NRL, and Jayden Campbell prove himself so brilliantly with the Titans after breaking his teeth in senior football with the Seagulls this season, is proof the club’s ability to develop elite talent.
“Issues thrown at the border community through COVID-19 restrictions in the past couple of months has made it that little bit tougher for the ISC and Colts sides but they have risen above those challenges and we’re confident they can continue their success in the finals.”
The ISC team face a tough challenge against the Devils on Sunday. Coach Woolf is still awaiting on confirmation around what Titans players will be able to return to his line-up, the fitness of explosive winger Talor Walters and whether any NSW-based players may become available through the relaxation of border movement for ‘bubble’ residents.
The Colts side go into the semi-final against Souths Logan Magpies (who finished seventh) in convincing form after winning four of their past five games, scoring 38 points or more in all those victories.
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