The Tweed Seagulls have announced Dave Penna as head coach for season 2023, as part of a review of football operations following Ben Woolf’s signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Having been head of football at the Seagulls for the past three years, Penna was viewed as an obvious choice by the club given his wealth of experience as an assistant coach for over 200 games at the NRL level, working alongside premiership-winning coaches in Des Hasler and Michael Maguire.
In this period with Manly, South Sydney and the Canterbury Bulldogs, he coached in four NRL grand finals as well as being assistant coach for Toa Samoa as they emerged as a competitive force at the international level.
Tweed Seagulls chair, Ian Paton, welcomed Penna’s acceptance of the role, paying tribute to his contribution to the club over the past three years
“Dave is a true club person who has supported the development of players in all grades as well as providing advice and practical support to our coaching and support staff as well," Paton said.
“His vision and values align with the Seagulls’ charter to be a club of opportunity for local male and female players as a pathway to the NRL."
Penna said he was honoured to accept the challenge and to build on the foundations already established.
“The strength of Seagulls is the quality of the people we have at our club and, in particular, the quality of our coaching and support staff," Penna said.
“Following a challenging period for all off the field, I look forward to the opportunity to bring all grades – male and female – back together to build a stronger club culture based on the great traditions of Seagulls."
CEO Matt Francis said Penna’s appointment was an exciting time for all involved.
“Dave has done an outstanding job as head of football, collaborating with Woolfy and all our coaching staff in providing the best quality programs we can provide with our resources," Francis said.
“He brings all these relationships to his new role as well as a knowledge of all our players from the Cyril Connell through to our BMD women’s and Hostplus men’s squads.
“Additionally, he has built a great rapport with our community clubs and schools in recognising their critical role in grassroots development.
“Dave is a player-centred coach and the best gauge of what he brings to the role is the number of elite NRL players who still seek and value his advice and opinion while playing at the highest level.
“Like all at the Seagulls he celebrates the individual success of players in achieving at the highest level."
