Dolphins Outclass Cutters In high-Scoring Hostplus Cup Encounter

They started the Queensland Rugby League season full of promise but the Mackay Cutters have ended their 2024 Hostplus Cup campaign on a low.

In their final-round display the Cutters suffered a 46-28 loss to the third-ranked Redcliffe Dolphins last weekend at Kayo Stadium.

There’ll be no finals action for the Mackay team after finishing twelfth on the table on 22 points with eight wins and twelve losses.

Dolphins centre Steven Numambo and interchange hooker Harrison Graham both posted try doubles in a high-scoring tussle.

Numambo grabbed two quick tries in the space of three minutes as Redcliffe piled on the points in a dominant first-half display.

Mackay centre Josh Smith opened the scoring after nine minutes with a determined try before centre partner Semi Valemei added a second midway through the opening stanza.

The Dolphins responded with fine tries by centre Valynce Te Whare, winger William Dobson and crafty number nine Graham to establish a 28-12 lead at the half-time interval.

Graham and second rower Aublix Tawha extended Redcliffe’s lead with converted tries after the break as the Cutters struggled to stay in touch with the home side.

Mackay found a new lease of life during the second half when second rower Hugh Arthur and the capable Smith burst over for important tries.

But when five eighth Latrell Siegwalt strolled through the Cutters defensive line to nab the Dolphins' eighth and final try the writing was on the wall.

Siegwalt contributed a handy eighteen points for Redcliffe from a try and seven goals in a solid tune up for this year’s finals series.

The Cutters club can still reflect on a successful 2024 season in which the women brought home the BMD Premiership and inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19 championship titles.

‍