It was an exciting weekend of rugby league action last weekend, as the Mackay Cutters made a strong showing in their Host Plus Cup (HPC) trial match against the CQ Capras, securing a 28-24 win in a closely contested affair at BB Print Stadium, Mackay. The match served as an important test for both teams as they prepared for the upcoming season.
The games kicked off with the first try of the day by the Harvey Norman U17's, setting the tone for a competitive outing. The Cyril Connell Cup boys had a strong first half, with their hard work paying off in a 38-12 victory. The Mal Meninga Cup boys followed suit with an impressive 38-14 win, while the Harvey Norman U19's triumphed 30-10. The Mackay Cutters girls showed determination as they fought for every minute, emerging victorious with a 16-4 win.
Before the game, both teams were eager to showcase their progress.
Andrew Battaia, Head Coach of the Mal Meninga Cup and Head of Pathways, spoke highly of the local talent, saying, “It’s very pleasing to see local players stepping up and fitting seamlessly into the senior team.”
He added, “A lot of the boys that I’ve had through the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cup programs are now progressing into Host Plus Cup level and we’ve got a lot of good outside backs, and good young second-rowers, so we’re feeling pretty confident."
Meanwhile, Adam Cuthbertson, the 2025 Hostplus Cup Head Coach, also expressed confidence in his squad's physical condition.
“They’re looking very healthy, looking very athletic, which is very promising for us.
"It's been really good ... a couple of genuine opportunities for some of our players that have been training really well during the preseason to go put their best foot forward up with the NRL.
“These guys have impressed by their application on the field week-in, week-out with us."
Overall, it was a highly successful weekend for the Mackay Cutters, with dominant victories across all four matches, showcasing their depth and talent from the junior ranks through to the senior squads.
Results:
- Host Plus Cup: Cutters 28 | Capras 24
- Harvey Norman U17's (Girls): Cutters 16 | Capras 4
- Cyril Connell Cup: Cutters 38 | Capras 12
- Harvey Norman U19's: Cutters 30 | Capras 10
- Mal Meninga Cup: Cutters 38 | Capras 14
Caption: The Mackay Cutters enjoyed a successful weekend, securing dominant victories across all four matches in the Host Plus Cup (HPC) trial and Juniors Round 1, showcasing their talent and depth from juniors to seniors. Photo source: Mackay Cutters (Facebook)
Caption: Andrew Battaia, Head Coach of the Mal Meninga Cup and Head of Pathways
Caption: Adam Cuthbertson, 2025 Hostplus Cup Head Coach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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