PBC star a ‘Gulls winner

PBC graduate Tom Dearden was sublime on debut for Wynnum Manly in Round 4, with the halfback, 18, steering the Seagulls to a 16-8 win over Mackay Cutters.

Dearden kicked two from two and set up two of his side’s three tries after receiving a late call-up from coach Adam Brideson.

“We lost Jayden Berrell in the captain’s run on Friday and, to his credit, Tom stepped up and did really well,” said Brideson. “There weren’t too many expectations – we know there’s been a bit of noise about him but we certainly weren’t expecting that.”

It proved a memorable win for Brideson, who celebrated his 50th game in charge of the Seagulls, and winger Jordan Drew ensured the perfect start with a ninth-minute try.

Paul Byrnes hit back for Mackay three minutes later before Yamba Bowie touched down before halftime.

Dearden then stepped up with a perfect grubber for Fetalaiga Pauga’s try and a kick for Sam Scarlett’s sealer.