The 1981 Wynnum Manly Seagull Doll
In August 1981, it was time to hop onto the train and make your way to the Royal Queensland Show, better known as the the EKKA. In the many pavilions throughout the ‘EKKA’ were stalls representing each of eight Brisbane Rugby League Clubs. In this year the QRL devised a plan to launch stuffed toys representing each of the eight Brisbane Rugby League clubs.
Norths had their Devil, Valleys a Diehard and Easts having their own Tiger stuffed toy. These were a major hit, with thousands sold to the Brisbane Rugby League community. To the disappointment of fans, several clubs totally ran out of stock before the Exhibition Wednesday holiday came around.
The Wynnum Manly doll became a regular item at all Wynnum fixtures during the 1981 season and beyond. The “Wynnum Manly Seagull” as it was known by, sat on the mantelpiece in Wynnum Manly supporters households and young children would take it to bed at night to ensure a better nights sleep, hoping it would bring their team luck for the weekends game. The Seagull would travel from game to game each week and would be thrown in the air after yet another Wynnum Manly try.
The stuffed dolls stood at 40 to 50cm tall carrying a football on one arm, with velcro attaching the jersey to the doll. The toy also had the QRL logo on the jersey.
The 1981 doll was replicated in 1984, with a smaller version being launched into the market. Both dolls are collectors items and fetch anywhere up to a $100 each on internet buying sites.
The ‘Wynnum Manly Seagull’ seen in this photo at the after Grand Final party held at Kougari Oval in 1982
The Wynnum Manly Seagull Doll making its way to the 2011 Queensland Cup Grand Final
Top Row: Olivia Comber, Rylie Moore, Michael Comber.
Front Row: Elsie Moore, Harry Moore.
Story Source: Paul Comber
