The Romano Group Tweed Heads Seagulls are fortunate to have enlisted former Queensland State of Origin forward and four-time grand finalists Kevin Campion to their coaching ranks.
Campion, who was Ivan Cleary’s assistant coach at the Warriors in 2005 the first year after retiring as a player with North Queensland, will assist head coach Aaron Zimmerle’s as a player mentor, regularly attending training, home games and helping with defence and technique.
The vacancy came about after Clint Barends, who had been elevated from the Seagulls’ A-grade position, had to relinquish his position as Zimmerle’s assistant after three rounds because of work commitments.
Campion’s 12-season 241-game first grade career began with the Seagulls in 1993 when they were in the top competition. He has been a regular attender of their home games and supports the club as a sponsor through his business Identified Services.
He went on to win premierships with the Broncos in 1998 and 2000 and played grand finals for St George (1995) and the Warriors (2003) and was seen as one of the greatest influencers on club “culture’ during his career. He played four Origin games for the Maroons.
“We are very lucky to have Kevin joining our young squad,” said Zimmerle.
“While the effort of our team this year has frequently been there in matches, we have been guilty of lacking a mental toughness to stay in the grind and bounce back from error or penalty. ‘Campo’, as a player, was as tough as they come and I am sure he will be great in helping our younger players harden up to the demands of the Intrust Cup.
“He will also focus on our defence and, in conjunction with our wrestling coach James McSweeney, will help improve the players’ individual techniques.”
Campion is delighted to be back involved with the game.
“I watch the Seagulls home games regularly and after talking to CEO Scott Clark I thought I’d put up my hand to give ‘Zimmo’ [head coach Aaron Zimmerle] a hand with another voice and help him with what he is working towards,” he said.
“He’s been a man down since Clint had to finish up and it’s great to be involved with the Seagulls again.
“I came down from Sarina in 1992 with Jamie Goddard, who was from Mt Isa, and debuted with the Seagulls when they were in the top competition.
“I’ve always felt an affinity with the club, and football on the Gold Coast generally be it the Seagulls, Chargers or Titans.
“The Seagulls are over 100 years old, so have a proud history, and I’m really happy to play a small part in continuing that tradition and hopefully getting some results.”
There is a video interview with Kevin on the Seagulls website – www.tweedheadsseagulls.com.au.
