In a thrilling showcase of rugby league prowess, the QCCS Mackay Cutters delivered an outstanding performance last weekend at their fortress, BB Print Stadium in Mackay. With a jam-packed schedule featuring five consecutive games, fans were treated to a day filled with exhilarating action on the field. Supported by their loyal fans and bolstered by the sponsorship of Muscle Garden, the Cutters emerged victorious across all grades, cementing their dominance over their Rocky rivals, the CQ Capras.
The headline act of the day was undoubtedly the Hostplus Cup squad, who continued their winning streak by triumphing over the Capras with a final scoreline of 26-14. Winger Josh Smith stole the show with a stellar performance, bagging two tries to propel his side to victory.
Not to be outdone, the BMD Premiership ladies staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to emerge triumphant with a 26-14 win over the Capras. Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match, notching up a hat-trick of tries to inspire her teammates to a stunning comeback victory.
Meanwhile, the Junior Reps demonstrated their talent and potential with convincing wins across the board. The Mal Meninga Cup squad maintained their unbeaten record, dispatching the Capras with a commanding 32-8 win, while the Harvey Norman U19 girls showcased their dominance with a resounding 36-4 victory.
In the Cyril Connell Cup, the QCCS Mackay Cutters emerged victorious with an 18-10 win, capping off a perfect day for the club across all grades.
Reflecting on the previous weekend's triumphs, the Cutters celebrated the debut of ten players in the Hostplus Cup squad. Semi Valemei, Viliami Vailea, Mahe Fonua, Riley Dean, Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu, John Radel, Jamal Shibasaki, Jai Hansen, Wil Sullivan, and D'Jazirhae Pua'avase made their mark in their first appearance for the team. These newcomers made an immediate impact, contributing to the team's success on the field. Their debut was marked by a thrilling win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons the weekend prior, where the Cutters showcased their depth and talent, securing victory with a remarkable performance.
After a bye in week one, this makes the Cutters two-from-two after three rounds of the Hostplus Cup.
As the Hostplus Cup takes a break for the Easter long weekend, anticipation mounts for their return to action on April 6th for Round 4.
10 players made their debut in the QCCS Mackay Cutters’ opening game against the Falcons. The team is now two-from-two after a dominant win last weekend against the CQ Capras
Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match in the BMD Premiership, notching up a hat-trick of tries for the Cutters
In a thrilling encounter at Netstrata Jubilee Oval, the North Queensland Cowboys orchestrated a stunning comeback to maintain their best start to a season in 17 years, clinching a commanding 46-24 victory over the Dragons.
Facing an early deficit of 18-4, the Cowboys showcased their resilience and grit, bouncing back to score seven unanswered tries. This remarkable achievement marks the first time since 2006 that North Queensland has secured three consecutive wins at the start of a season.
The Cowboys' resurgence was ignited by winger Murray Taulangi, who breached the try line in the sixth minute following a precise pass from fullback Scott Drinkwater. Building on this momentum, North Queensland added three more tries before halftime, courtesy of hooker Reece Robson and second-rower Griffin Neame.
Trailing by four points at halftime, the Cowboys continued their onslaught in the second half, capitalising on opportunities generated by their dynamic attacking play. Drinkwater and Chad Townsend orchestrated the charge, with tries from Holmes and Townsend sealing the victory.
Despite a late consolation try from Zac Lomax for the Dragons, it was not enough to derail the Cowboys' momentum. With a final score of 46-24 in their favour, North Queensland emerged triumphant, underlining their credentials as formidable contenders in the NRL.
