Mackay Cutters Rugby League have unearthed one out of the box in rising hooker Xavier Kerrisk.
The eighteen-year-old former Queensland Schoolboys representative impressed in his top-grade run-on debut for the Cutters last weekend in a 32-18 loss to premiership pacesetters Norths Devils in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen.
Kerrisk, a local Mackay junior who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, showed his class in the number nine jumper with his vision and ball skills in an encouraging sign for the future.
The former St Patrick’s College sensation is following in the steps of great mate Jaxon Purdue and made the most of his opportunities after six previous appearances in 2024 as an interchange player.
Norths opened the scoring after two minutes when winger Manase Kaho crossed for a try before the Cutters exploded into top gear – posting three tries by centre Josh Smith, second rower Hiale Roycroft and winger Brent Anderson in the space of eight minutes that were converted by five eighth Bayley Gill for an 18-4 lead.
The Devils hit back with two quick tries by fullback Jordan Lipp and interchange Sam Elliott as the Cutters went to the break holding an 18-16 advantage.
It was all Norths after the interval as they chalked up sixteen unanswered points from four-pointers by half back Jack Ahearn, pivot Julian Christian and centre Jacob Gagan plus four Andre Niko conversions in a dominant second half display.
The result keeps the Devils on track for the minor premiership on 30 points with twelve victories from sixteen matches – just two points behind competition leaders Northern Pride (32) in second spot with a game in hand.
Rampaging second rower Oryn Keeley turned in a powerhouse display for the Devils – running for 177 metres with three line break assists, three tackle busts, two offloads and 26 tackles.
It was an inspirational performance by the Redcliffe Dolphins signing who made an impact against the strong Mackay forward pack featuring the likes of props Jeremiah Matautia and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, boom forward Jamal Shibasaki and the experienced Roycroft and lock John Radel.
The Cutters will be chasing their eighth win this season when they tackle the battling Ipswich Jets this Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve at 2.10pm.
Action from the Norths Devils v Mackay Cutters game in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters
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