Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club paid homage to their champions of yesteryear but couldn’t share the spoils after another heartbreaking Hostplus Cup loss at BB Print Stadium last weekend.
Brisbane Tigers pipped the courageous Cutters 30-28 in a QRL top division thriller to move into second spot but can consider themselves lucky after surviving a monumental challenge from the home side.
A last gasp try by winger Jaylan To’o gave the Cutters an opportunity to salvage a deserved draw – but Brandon Finnegan’s sideline conversion attempt shaved the upright.
It was a cruel twist for Finnegan and his team mates who played superbly in their best performance of the season against a quality Tigers team.
The classy Finnegan marshalled the Mackay team with aplomb and figured in a classic goalkicking duel with rival half back Jack Miers – with both kickers landing spectacular goals from the sideline in a n epic contest.
Earlier members of the Cutters’ triumphant 1993 State League and 2013 Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning sides formed a Guard of Honour as the Mackay players took the field.
And the Cutters made an early statement – spinning the ball wide with passing rushes as centre Blake Paskins and the elusive To’o crossed for tries in the opening six minutes to give Mackay a 12-0 lead.
The Tigers hit back when fullback Tahj Wood swooped on a loose ball to score before power running Mackay forward Hiale Roycroft crashed over for the Cutters third try that was converted by Finnegan.
At 18-6 a major upset was brewing with the Cutters controlling the rucks and menacing the Tigers with their bustling defence and strong running.
But the Tigers found a new lease of life and notched two quick tries by back rower Joe Chan and winger Kane Bradley as both sides went to the break locked at 18-all.
In a second half arm wrestle, Tigers’ utility Zak Taibi grabbed a crucial try in the corner before Cutters’ five eighth Adam Cook responded as Mackay levelled proceedings.
Bradley gave the visitors the edge when he nabbed a second try with eight minutes left on the clock with Miers potting the extras from the sideline for a six-point lead.
Mackay launched another raid and set the scene for a gripping finish when the athletic To’o snared his second try in the dying moments.
The entire Cutters team deserve special mention for a wholehearted performance and go into this Saturday’s tussle with Sunshine Coast Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium with a confidence boost.
In the Hastings Deering Colts fixture the second placed Brisbane Tigers eclipsed the Cutters 30-14.
Mackay Cutters guard of honour. Photo credit: Chris Karas
Mackay Cutters were narrowly defeated by Brisbane Tigers 30-28. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters
