Last weekend marked a momentous time in history for the Mackay Cutters rugby league team as they announced they would field three female teams for the first time in their history, competing in the Harvey Norman U17s & U19s divisions, as well as the BMD Premiership. The timing couldn't have been more fitting, with Round 1 of the BMD Premiership coinciding with the team's "Ladies in League Day," aligning perfectly with the celebrations of International Women's Day.
In front of an eager crowd, the QCCS Mackay Cutters kicked off Round 1 of the BMD Premiership on their home turf, facing off against the Tweed Seagulls in a thrilling encounter. Additionally, the Junior Reps battled it out against the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 5 of their competition, adding to the excitement of the day's events. The Hostplus squad had a bye.
BB Print Stadium played host to a total of four exhilarating matches, with two women's games and two men's games showcasing the talent and dedication of players from both teams. The Mackay teams put on a dominant show, clinching victory in three of four games. The results of the matches were as follows:
Cyril Connell Cup: Mackay 18, Townsville 22
Harvey Norman U19s girls: Mackay 16, Townsville 12
Mal Meninga Cup squad: Mackay 46, Townsville 10
BMD Premiership women: Mackay 28, Townsville 10
The weekend's fixtures not only demonstrated the skill and determination of the players but also highlighted the growing prominence of women's rugby league in the region. With each game fiercely contested, the Mackay Cutters emerged victorious in the women's games, further solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Action from the Harvey Norman U19 and BMD Premiership games. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters