Wynnum-Manly’s 1982 coach, Des Morris in action for the Seagulls the previous year, unloading in typical skilful fashion to centre, Neil Moy.
Wynnum-Manly took out their first BRL premiership in 31 years of competition with a 17-3 win over defending champions, Souths before a capacity crowd of 36,000.
Wynnum-Manly stars, Gene Miles and Rod Morris went on to earn selection in the Kangaroo touring side to Britain and France with Manly-Warringah hooker, Max Krilich named as skipper.
Morris’s older brother, Des was coach of Wynnum-Manly and described the win as the most satisfying of his four titles, three as captain-coach with Easts.
An estimated 10,000 supporters crowed onto Kougari Oval, Wynnum’s home base, to celebrate the victory into the night in scenes not repeated in Brisbane until the Broncos won their inaugural NSWRL title in 1992.
Wynnum president, Arthur Lovell promised the players would receive a record victory bonus.
“Money and prizes are still coming in,” he said.
Souths’ Test centre, Mal Meninga suffered rib cartilage damage just three minutes into the game and need pain killing injections at halftime.
‘Big Mal’ also made the Australian squad and went on to be one of the stars of the tour.
