Mackay Cutters rugby league team have zoomed into the top eight after toppling cellar-dwellers Ipswich Jets 30-16 in Hostplus Cup action last weekend at BB Print Stadium.
There was no stopping the home side who laid the foundations for a sixth victory this season through their rugged forward pack and slick back division.
Early tries by skipper and lock Sean Mullany and young winger Brent Anderson helped the Cutters establish a 10-0 lead after nine minutes.
Ipswich centre Mathew Lyons responded with the visitor’s opening try shortly after that was converted by winger Brandon Roberts.
The elusive Anderson bagged a second try before fellow winger Dario Takitaki crossed to give Mackay a handy 20-6 lead at the interval.
Rookie 18-year-old hooker Xavier Kerrisk extended the Cutters' lead when he darted over to score shortly after the break.
The elusive Roberts kept the Jets in the hunt when he scooted over for the visitor’s second try before workhorse Mullany was rewarded with a second four-pointer with seven minutes left on the clock.
Ipswich second rower Arama Hau grabbed a consolation try in the dying moments - but to no avail.
The win lifted Mackay into eighth spot on the ladder on sixteen points behind competition pacesetters Norths Devils (22) and Northern Pride (22), Wynnum Manly Seagulls (21), Burleigh Bears and Redcliffe Dolphins (18), Sunshine Coast Falcons and Central Queensland Capras (16).
Mackay coach Michael Comerford has unearthed a future star in number nine Kerrisk, a former Queensland Schoolboys representative who honed his craft in the Mackay Junior League.
Kerrisk and best mate Jaxon Purdue are outstanding local products that were coached by Comerford just down the road at St Patrick’s College.
The pair were signed by the North Queensland Cowboys after dominant performances in the Aaron Payne Cup competition and have bright futures in front of them.
Mackay will travel to Rugby Park in Rockhampton this Saturday for a tilt with the seventh-placed Central Queensland Capras at 4pm.
Photo credit: Mackay Cutters
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