High hopes as Seagulls grow in confidence

A BREAKTHROUGH win over Kyogle has given the Tweed Seagulls a boost in their return to first grade after nearly 20 years out of the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League.

The Seagulls rejoined the top-grade competition this season for the first time since 2005, focusing on junior development and creating a pathway for young players to progress through to senior ranks.

The team had a tough first month, with a string of narrow losses, before notching a hard-fought 30–26 win over Kyogle in round six.

They have already faced many of the competition’s top teams and still have catch-up games in hand.

“They’ve been competitive and both grades have had their first wins now,” club president Brian Cox said.

“It’s a very even competition this year and it will only take a few more wins to put us in a better position.

“We’ve only lost most of the games by four or six points, so we haven’t been far off.”

The side is built around younger players from the Seagulls and South Tweed junior systems.

Returning to first grade has helped the club retain emerging talent that might otherwise have moved to Gold Coast or other Tweed clubs.

Hooker Hudson Towell and lock Bobby Smith are among a group of teenagers stepping up, both having impressed during recent seasons in the Mal Meninga Cup junior competition.

The team is coached by former NRL player Craig Field, who led the Seagulls’ reserve grade to an undefeated premiership last year.

“Craig knew it was going to be a different challenge this year and he’s done well to keep them together,” Cox said.

“Our junior boys and girls are doing well from under-15s and into under-17s.

“It’s all part of a long-term plan and we’re confident the club will be in a really good spot in the coming years.”

The Seagulls will host the Byron Bay Red Devils in their next game at Piggabeen Sports Complex on Sunday, June 15.