Exciting Challenge Ahead For New Cutters’ Head Coach

Mackay’s widely respected rugby league identity Michael Comerford (pictured) relishes a challenge.

The 33-year-old school teacher is ready for the next chapter in his sporting life when he takes over the reins of the Mackay Cutters as Head Coach on a two year deal starting in 2023.

Comerford will replace outgoing coach Dave Elliott, who will link up with Norths Devils at the conclusion of this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.

The experienced Elliott, who helped transform the Cutters’ rugby league program as Head Coach this season, has signed a two year contract and will return to his native Brisbane with his wife and young family to begin the fulltime role from November 1 this year.

With his vast experience and knowledge of the Mackay sporting landscape, the astute Comerford was a popular choice for the top job by club management.  

He will relinquish his position of Sports Co-ordinator at Mercy College Mackay on October 4 to take on his new full time coaching role.

An excited Comerford will work closely with all the schools and Junior League clubs in the region to stamp the Cutters’ footprint across the grades.

“My goal is to develop a big enough talent pool that will keep the Cutters at the forefront of rugby league in the region for many years to come,” he revealed.

Comerford praised the efforts of Elliott and Cutters’ Head of Football Kim Williams for their tremendous work in turning the club around in 2022.

The Cutters may have missed a finals berth in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club remains in a strong position moving forward.

Comerford’s coaching journey through the local school system and the Cutters’ Junior Representative programs to top grade assistant coach have held him in good stead.

Respected by the current playing group, Comerford’s appointment highlights the club’s purpose to develop rugby league pathways for the Mackay community.

Officials are extremely confident in his ability to build a strong and competitive team and look forward to seeing the club flourish under his leadership.

Comerford fell just short of a fairytale premiership with his powerful St Patrick’s First XIII this season, guiding the College to Grand Final appearances in the Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Aaron Payne Cup competitions where they succumbed to Townsville titans Ignatius Park College.

The local hero enjoyed a burgeoning league career in the north Queensland region before a damaged ACL forced him into retirement at the age of 24.

Comerford began his league career with Souths Sharks in U/13s as a promising centre before bursting into A Grade in 2006.

He played a prominent role when Souths defeated Moranbah to win the 2009 Mercury Cup Grand Final after earning a call up to the Mackay Cutters top grade side the previous year.

Comerford chalked up 51 appearances during his six-season playing stint with the Cutters but missed the club’s 2013 premiership triumph after tearing his ACL in the early rounds.

A highlight for Comerford was representing Australia at the 2008 World Universities Cup in Brisbane and touring South Africa (2009) as well as France and England (2010) with the national team.

Since hanging up his boots, Michael has turned his hand to coaching.

In 2015 he was appointed Souths A Grade coach at the age of 26 – guiding the side to a preliminary final before joining the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017.

Comerford has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season and proved a valuable voice as Senior Assistant Coach to the departing Elliott during the Cutters’ 2022 campaign.

By Chris Karas

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