The only way is up – that is the new motto for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team in this year’s Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup competition.
After tossing cellar-dwellers Ipswich Jets 36-20 last Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve to post their second win of the 2023 season, the Mackay men are bent on climbing up the ladder.
It was the club’s St Patrick’s College teaching connection that featured prominently in the win – with half back Brandon Finnegan, flying winger Flynn Camilleri and no-nonsense prop Josh Honan contributing with super performances under the guidance of team mentor Michael Comerford, the school’s former Sports Co-ordinator.
Finnegan orchestrated a rousing second half display as the Cutters outclassed the embattled Jets, who remain winless at the bottom of the table.
The 25-year-old playmaker nabbed a personal haul of 16 points from a try and six conversions to swell his season tally to 52 from twelve appearances.
In fleet footed utility back Camilleri the Cutters have a real find.
The local Brothers junior product used his blistering speed to grab a try double and thwart a mini Jets revival.
With eight tries from thirteen appearances this season, the future looks bright for the strong running flankman who has established himself in the top grade.
Mackay led 12-6 at the interval and took control with two quick tries in the second half by second rower Kobe Bone and the ever-alert Finnegan.
Ipswich hit back with tries from skipper and lock Rhys Jacks and five eighth Gerome Burns before Camilleri and Honan sealed victory for the visitors with valuable four pointers in the space of six minutes.
The Cutters enjoy their first bye of the season this weekend before travelling to Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine on Saturday July 15 to lock horns with competition leaders Souths Logan Magpies.
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Mackay trounced Ipswich 52-30 in the Hastings Deering Colts Under 21s fixture – running in nine tries to blitz their rivals.
Promising Cutters prop Toby Sullivan, winger Braydon Dunbar and fullback Kane Simon collected try doubles with half back Seth McGilvray, second rower Tyler Parrish and prop Robson Stevens also grabbing four pointers and five eighth Henri Stocks booting eight goals.
The Ipswich Jets wearing a traditional design for Indigenous Appreciation Day, designed by Jet #595 Shar Walden. The Jets lost to the Cutters 36-20
