While the Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field on Saturday, a few key players were absent after being called into the Cowboys squad for their first Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins.
Hooker Kyle Scheider and halfback Adam Cook took to the field in Cairns on Sunday as the Cowboys played out a 22 all draw against the NRL’s freshest franchise.
Winger Laitia Moceidreke and centre Gehamat Shibasaki also played for their contracted club after appearing for the Cutters 18 and five times respectively in 2022.
Moceidreke, who played one NRL game for the Cowboys in 2021 and was the top try scorer for the Cutters in 2022, starred with two tries, including a clutch final-minute four-pointer to guarantee the draw.
The Dolphins were the first to score in the seventh minute followed by Moceidreke opening the Cowboys’ account just four minutes later.
The Cowboys led 18-4 after 32 minutes before the Dolphins made their way back into the game, leading 18-22 with eight minutes to play.
Moceidreke crossed untouched in the final minute to even things up at 22-22.
Schnieder’s consistency in attack and defence was on display, including a pinpoint kick in the 62nd to set up a try that was ultimately disallowed, and Townsville junior Cook got his first taste of the big time, donning the Cowboys jersey for the first time and taking the field with about 30 minutes to go.
“It’s obviously something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cook said after the game.
“When I got on there, I was just trying to do my role and make sure we completed the sets and I thought we did that.”
Looking to the 2023 Cutters season, Cook said he’s looking forward to a good year.
“We’re looking really good,” he said.
“Commo’s (Coach Michael Comerford) got a good group of boys there ready to go so I'm looking forward to a good season.”
Cutters’ halfback Adam Cook donned the Cowboys jersey for the first time on Sunday. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys
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