Wynnum Manly Club President Nev Overson opening Kougari Oval in June 1967 accompanied by from left Mr. George Clayton, Arch Geary and Mal Irwin Sr.
One of the most widely respected administrators in Rugby League, Nev Overson, who has resigned from the presidency of Wynnum-Manly, had a colourful career with the Seagulls.
At the age of 42 he still was playing in reserve and C grades. But not because of any great ambition it was through necessity. For at that time Wynnum-Manly was not nearly as strongly established as it is now and Nev and one or two other committee men, attended matches because they knew there was likely to be a shortage of players.
Unfortunately, in those years, the Reserve Grade and C grade teams for Wynnum-Manly were apt to be four or five players short. So on would go Nev, plus other fill-in players, to make up the team. Nev, was with Wynnum-Manly as a player and a committee man for 23 years.
He was president for nine years. In those years the club has expanded greatly, with its Kougari Oval complex being established. This not only provides a first-class clubhouse and field, but also allows for further expansion over 17 acres.
Although Nev, no longer has a committee post with the club, he still is a Brisbane Rugby League vice-president. He won wide respect for his part in building up the Seagulls into a firmly-established senior club.
“I can thank many people who have helped the club over the years, “Nev said. Rugby League followers, not only those in the Wynnum-Manly area, can thank Nev, for devoting many years to the game, sometimes on a seven nights a week basis.
While premiership honours have not gone his club’s way, the Overson effort has been a first-class achievement.
Story Source – Rugby League News 1975
Photo Source: The Wynnum Manly Rugby League Football Club
