Manly Warringah Sea Eagles has forged a strong partnership with one of Queensland’s finest rugby league schools in St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon.
The Sea Eagles recently visited St Brendan’s College, an independent Catholic secondary day and boarding school that has produced a host of NRL players including Harry Grant, Ben Hunt, Corey Oates, David Taylor, Matt Scott, Kurt Mann, PJ Marsh, Paul Bowman, and Julian O’Neill.
The new partnership with St Brendan's is aimed at enhancing coach education, sharing valuable resources, and creating clear pathways for aspiring rugby league players to reach the NRL.
Manly Coach Anthony Seibold, who graduated from St Brendan’s College in 1991, was joined by Recruitment Manager Peter Gentle, and NRL players Ethan Bullemor and Reuben Garrick.
Luke Caplick, Director of Rugby League at St Brendan's College, said the partnership leverages the expertise of the Manly Sea Eagles coaching staff to provide comprehensive coach education programs for the college.
"This collaboration with the Sea Eagles represents a significant step forward in nurturing talent from our catchment area across regional Queensland and preparing players for elite-level competition,'' Caplick said.
“Through workshops, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, this initiative will empower local coaches with the latest techniques and strategies, ensuring that the region's rugby league talent receives top-tier coaching from an early age.
"Additionally, the partnership establishes well-defined player pathways, providing a direct route for promising young athletes to progress through St Brendan's College and eventually make their way to the NRL.
"This strategic alliance not only benefits the development of rugby league in regional Queensland but also enriches the Sea Eagles by nurturing emerging talents in a systematic manner.
"St Brendan's College Rugby League Program is a shining example of dedication, passion, and excellence in nurturing young rugby League talent over many years.
"This partnership will only enhance our reputation and further develop our rugby league program which currently has over 600 players across 25 teams.
"St Brendan’s College First XIII are the 2023 Confraternity Carnival champions and won the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools title last week.
"We believe that by working together, Manly will gain a considerable footprint across our wonderful rugby league nursery in regional Queensland and St Brendan’s will further develop its already formidable rugby league reputation."
St Brendan’s Principal, Rob Corboy, said the visit from the Sea Eagles proved to be a great success.
“During their time at our school, the Manly guys generously shared their wisdom on perseverance, education, and personal development with our student body,’’ Mr Corboy said.
“Their primary messages revolved around emphasizing the significance of education, diligently working towards personal goals, and navigating the challenges of failure and setbacks.
“An interesting point for our students was hearing that Ethan and Reuben have both completed degrees, with Ethan holding a Bachelor of Finance and Economics, and Reuben completing a Bachelor of Property Finance.
“Ethan is about to start a Masters program and Reuben is completing an apprenticeship in Carpentry.
“Their Q & A assembly was not only inspiring but also incredibly authentic. Our students were fully engaged, absorbing every word from these experienced individuals as they passed on important life lessons.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to them all for their invaluable contributions to our school community.”
Outside of the meeting with St Brendan’s, the Sea Eagles group also attended the Rockhampton District Secondary School Rugby League Grand Finals.
In between spending time in the commentary box, the group also presented the winners from each division with their premiership medallions.
