The Mackay Cutters are gearing up for an exciting 2025 Hostplus Cup season with a revitalised squad, fresh talent, and a new coaching and management team bringing renewed energy to their premiership aspirations. With a mix of returning favourites, high-profile signings, and promising young talent, the Cutters are ready to make their mark.
The squad boasts a range of key re-signings, including 2024 Player of the Year John Radel, who returns for his second season in the Hostplus Cup squad. Fan favourites Raydan Burns and Hiale Roycroft are also back, with Burns heading into his fifth season as a Cutter and Roycroft building on a milestone year after achieving his 50th club appearance in 2024. Playmakers Bayley Gill and Mitch Fogarty, along with powerhouse second-rower Tom McNulty, are set to provide stability and leadership to the team.
Adding to the excitement are several high-profile recruits, including Elie El-Zakhem, who joins from the UK’s Betfred Super League, and Sheldon Diaz, a front-rower from the Melbourne Storm Academy. Ethan Coco, Luke Pietzner, and Gus Rangihuna return to the Cutters after stints with other clubs, bringing valuable experience and a deep connection to the sugar city.
Off the field, the Cutters have bolstered their coaching lineup with Marco Peters taking the reins of the BMD Premiership Squad, Matt Sanders leading the Harvey Norman U19's Squad, Imogen Healy guiding the Harvey Norman U17's Squad, Andy Battaia at the helm of the Mal Meninga Cup Squad, and Brett Watton overseeing the Cyril Connell Cup Squad.
Supporting the team’s holistic development is Zach Schill in his new role as Wellbeing, Education, and Change the Game Manager, while Steve Jackson steps into the position of Hostplus Cup Team Manager, ensuring the team is primed for success on and off the field.
With a squad that combines experience, fresh talent, and a commitment to developing pathways for future stars, the Cutters are poised to make 2025 a season to remember. As Head Coach Marco Peters said, “This is a team built not just for competition but for connection—on and off the field. The 2025 Cutters are about representing Mackay with pride and chasing the ultimate prize.”
The Mackay Cutters are ready to ignite the season, backed by a passionate community and a shared determination to bring the premiership home.
Rain or shine, the team is putting in the hard yards, climbing hills and building grit for a massive 2025 season ahead. Photo source: Mackay Cutters
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