Ireland star Brendan O’Hagan finds new club in Australia

Ireland international Brendan O’Hagan has found a new club in Australia after leaving Championship club York Knights in the off-season.

The 24-year-old has joined Queensland Cup side Wynnum Manly Seagulls after being granted a release from his contract with York in January so he could return home to Australia.

A club statement from the Seagulls read: “O’Hagan has slotted into life as a Seagull very easily, making his mark in training, and currently lives with a few of his Wynnum teammates.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Brendan on the field in the red and green very soon.”

O’Hagan joins English backs Jack Croft and Josh Simm at the Seagulls.

The half-back or hooker joined York ahead of the 2021 Championship season, scoring 12 tries in 27 appearances.

He qualifies to represent Ireland through his grandparents. He made his international debut for the Wolfhounds last year, playing in all three of their group games at the World Cup.

Brendan O’Hagan on decision to leave York

The Irish international said it was an incredibly hard decision to leave York, but that the time was right to move back home to be around his family again.

O’Hagan said: “It’s been a long and hard-thought decision.

“For my personal life at the moment, it’s the right time to be back home in Australia and a lot closer to my family.

“It’s tough going across the other side of the world without your family around you. Now is the right time for myself and my family to go back and be a lot closer to them.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here in York but going back home in the off-season to see my family for the first time since moving away, it really made my decision about what I want.

“Over the last few months, it’s been tough and I’m happy with the decision I’ve made.”

Fond memories of his time with the Knights

The playmaker helped the Knights secure a spot in the Championship play-offs last season.

O’Hagan added: “I’ve loved my time here. It’s been a beautiful place to live and been such a great club to play for.

“My time here has been unreal. The fans have been so welcoming and I want to thank the club for bringing me over and the playing group, who are a great bunch of blokes.

“In the wider community, I’ve been taken in with open arms and it’s made my stay here a lot easier than others could imagine and I want to thank them for that.

“It’s just a shame that it’s had to come to an end now.

“The club is moving forward and I’m so happy to have been part of the journey.

“I wish the club nothing but success in the coming years. I’m sure that in the next few years, they’ll be up in Super League and be a heavy-hitter there too.”

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