Tugun load up on leaders on the field
TUGUN have significantly boosted their Rugby League Gold Coast premiership credentials with the addition of three players renowned for their leadership.
The Seahawks have signed hooker Sam Meskell and prop Josh Harvey from Tweed Heads plus halfback Jacob Grant from Cudgen.
Grant is perhaps the most interesting recruit, given he had captained against Tugun in the 2016 grand final while playing for rivals Burleigh.
“I’ve been on-record saying I would never play for Tugun, I told anyone that wanted to listen,” the 28year-old laughed.
“It’s funny how it has worked out … they’re going to have a strong side so I might just jump on the bandwagon.
“There’s a good bunch of people and it seems like a good club.
“Whether or not my view four or five years ago was distorted because I played against them or they have had a bit of a cleanout, I’m not too sure. It seems like a good place now.”
Incumbent captain Nick Harrold was among those to persuade Grant, who will link up with ex-Bears teammate Meskell in an impressive playmaking spine also featuring Keanu Te Kiri.
Meskell, 27, had lined up in Seagulls colours in more recent times and often captained the club at Intrust Super Cup level.
However, with Tweed leaving the RLGC competition, Meskell decided against dual registering and instead committed to joining Clint Barends’ side at Boyd St.
“If something happened where Tweed were really low on numbers, I would definitely put my hand up but I didn’t really want to be one of those players that did the whole pre-season at Seagulls and then just rock in a week before the comp,” he said.
“I wanted to be a part of it from day one.”
For Harvey, who captained Tweed to the RLGC decider last year, the decision to join Tugun – where he played nine years ago – was easy.
The workhorse praised the culture around the club and believes an injection of experience can lift the Seahawks back to the pointy end of the competition.
“I think Clint has made it pretty clear that we want to be playing semis and we have to be playing in that grand final,” Harvey said.
Tugun have also signed ex-Tweed centre Kurtis McDonald.
The Seahawks host Burleigh in Round 1 on March 17.