Footy returned to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, giving punters a look at what they can expect from the Mackay Cutters in 2023 with four teams playing their first trials of the season.
The Cutters hosted the Central Queensland Capras with Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls and Hostplus Cup teams all facing off.
The Cyril Connell Challenge sides were the first to take the field, with the under-16 boys kicking off in the heat of the early afternoon.
The arm wrestle of the first half finished with the Cutters and the Capras tied at 8-8, but the home team kicked into gear in the second half, finishing strongly with a 20-8 win.
It was the under 18 boys to run out next, with the Mal Meninga Cup sides facing off in an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
It was looking dire for the Cutters, as the visitors went into half time with a 0-16 lead, but an inspired second half effort saw the Cutters score 20 unanswered points to finish 20-16 victors.
The difference couldn’t be split between the Harvey Norman U19 Girls squads, with an 8-8 half time score resulting in an epic 16-16 draw at full time.
Finally, the Hostplus Cup squad showed positive signs under new coach Michael Comerford, defeating their central Queensland rivals 24-10.
The Cutters travel to Airlie Beach this weekend with the Hastings Deering Colts, BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup sides all taking the field at Whitsundays Sports Park on Saturday.
