Sea Dragons in a league of their own

A new rugby club has been formed from scratch following the inaugural annual general meeting of the Albany Sea Dragons Rugby League and Sporting Club last month.

The Albany Sea Dragons’ AGM was held on April 29, with Gary Tutt elected president of the club and Jason Coutts announced as vice-president.

The new committee is made up of Shelley McLennan, Gary Fullerton, Marianne Tutt, James Knowlson, Lee Mullen, Rick Linnett and Brendan Kunst.

On the back of a visit from two ex-NRL and Super League players, Cory Paterson and Clinton Toopi, and staff from NRL WA, the Sea Dragons have done school visits and had an open day to spread the word about rugby league in the region.

The club is confident of running a grassroots intraclub competition over a 10-week period in the upcoming winter months and also a senior intraclub competition in the second half of this year to prepare a team with the goal of representing Albany at the Harmony Cup in Perth in December.

Mr Tutt said the club’s vision was to grow and solidify rugby league as a sport of choice in Albany.

“We are working with the City of Albany to have upright posts installed on North Road to promote the sport’s presence in Albany,” he said.

“We’ve had a strong senior player interest today and a lot of interest surrounding the juniors as well, plus strong support from NRL WA and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

“With the support of the committee, players, sponsors and supporters, we hope to build this club and create some history.”

An upcoming trip to Albany by the West Coast Pirates has been confirmed, with a three-day camp and two intraclub games with the Sea Dragons. For anyone looking for more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or contact Mr Tutt on 0466 607 870 or albanyjrl@gmail.com.