Statement posted by Peninsula Seagulls
As most teams are well under way in their preparation for the NSWRL competitions in 2017, the Peninsula Seagulls RLFC have decided to sit out this year, but are looking at returning bigger and better in 2018.
The Gulls were started in 2014 by Gary Pethybridge and Steve Gearin as an option to the players on the Northern Beaches who wanted to play in a stronger competition, as the local A grade comp was considerably weaker than in previous years and there were no signs of it i...mproving.
The club was also started to provide Manly-Warringah juniors a pathway into the Sea Eagles for those players who had further ambitions.
In our 3 seasons, we were minor premiers in 2014, preliminary finalists in each year and we won more games than any other side in the Sydney Shield. We had 2 players win the player of the year for the Sydney Shield and 4 players played NSW Cup for Manly. Unfortunately no premierships to show for it but for a club that has no Leagues Club backing them, no District Club backing them, being totally ignored by their affiliated NRL club and no major sponsors, it goes to show what an amazing job Gary, Steve and the other handful of volunteers have done in keeping the club afloat.
The decision by the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles to incorporate Blacktown Workers as their feeder club was a huge disappointment to all the hard working volunteers at the Gulls. While we understand in a competitive environment you have to look at all options, it would be nice to see the Sea Eagles investing in the talent that we have here on the Northern Beaches first before looking at other areas.
Unfortunately numbers in both players and volunteers have been dwindling on the Northern Beaches for Rugby League while the numbers for soccer and AFL only get larger. We are now in a battle for the survival of our sport in our district. The next few years will be critical to the survival of our game 20+ years down the track.
For the Gulls, due to player retirements and lack of support from local and surrounding districts, we've had to hit the pause button for 12 months. BUT..................
We aren't dead. We're not rolling over without a fight. And the fighting qualities we've shown as a club both off and on the field will hopefully have us back in 2018 bigger and better than ever. Some (hopefully) exciting news will be announced later on in the year but you'll have to watch this space for further details.
Good luck to the whole Rugby League community for a safe and successful 2017 campaign in whatever competition you are competing in and we'll see you in 2018.
