Cutters Dominate Capras In Double Win At Home

The Mackay Cutters delivered a dominant double-header at BB Print Stadium over the weekend, with both their men's and women's teams securing impressive victories over Central Queensland rivals, the Capras.

In the BMD Premiership, the Cutters women showcased their class with a commanding 30–4 triumph. The home side controlled the match from the outset, combining clinical attack with determined defence to shut down the Capras and keep their finals hopes alive.

Later that afternoon, it was the men's turn to shine in the Hostplus Cup clash — and they didn’t disappoint. In what was dubbed the “Battle of the Central,” the Cutters overpowered the Capras 32–12 in a resounding performance.

Speedster Jimmy Ngutlik proved electric out wide, crossing twice and causing headaches for the Capras defence all game. Halfback Ryan Rivett was in fine form, racking up two line breaks and a try, steering the team with precision in attack.

Up front, John Radel led the charge with a remarkable defensive effort — 52 tackles without a miss — reinforcing his reputation as one of the hardest workers in the competition.

Despite the result, Capras forward Nixon Putt was a standout for the visitors, running for more than 200 metres and scoring a gritty try in a losing effort.

The win puts the Cutters on equal competition points with the eighth-placed PNG Hunters, separated only by five points on differential as the finals race heats up.

In more good news for regional fans, Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander announced the schedule for this year’s Country Week, with a full Hostplus Cup round set to be staged across seven rural towns on the weekend of July 26–27.

Communities including Moranbah, Charters Towers, Emerald, Yarrabah, Augathella, Gayndah and Goondiwindi will host Round 19 matches, giving locals a rare chance to see top-level footy in their own backyard.

“The economic benefits of Country Week will be substantial, but the greatest benefit for these communities will be seeing first-hand current and future NRL stars and future Maroons in the Hostplus Cup,” Minister Mander said.

“These players are more than athletes — they’re role models — and their presence in country towns can have a lasting impact, inspiring kids to pick up a ball, get active, and dream big.”

Queensland Rugby League competitions manager Dave Maiden echoed those sentiments, saying Country Week was about more than just footy.

“The 2025 season is one of the closest and most fiercely contested on record, and with so many even match-ups across this round, local footy fans are in for an absolute treat,” he said.

“Young boys and girls get to meet and watch many players with NRL experience. They get to dream, to be inspired. And the players themselves receive a big lift from the experience because they get a glimpse of the challenges that many outback teams face just to get a game. It builds perspective, gratitude and connection — and that’s what makes this week so special.”

For the Cutters, the focus now turns to the final stretch of the season — with momentum, belief and a potential finals berth within reach.

‍

Photo source: Mackay Cutters

‍