Mackay Cutters eye home final as NRLW talent shines through

With their sights set on a home final, the Mackay Cutters are proving to be a formidable force in the BMD Cup, backed by the signing of six fresh NRLW players.

Emma Manzelmann has been a key factor to the Cutters success in 2023, and after becoming the inaugural signing of the North Queensland cowboys NRLW side looks to now help the side reach the finals in the coming weeks. Picture: Marty Strecker

The Mackay region has been abuzz with excitement as the inaugural season of the BMD Cup has seen the Cutters team thrive, thanks to their powerhouse women’s league.

The Cutters have been nothing short of incredible, with a handful of fresh NRLW players and a push for a home final on the line.

This weekend’s contest against the Norths Devils is expected to be exciting, with the Cutters looking to secure a spot in the top two and cement their status as serious contenders.

The game turns Cutters way in a battle royale for the BMD women's game at BB Print Stadium. Picture: Marty Strecker

“There’s been a lot of challenges, I think we’re up to player 29 now,” head coach Marco Peters said.

“Apart from our little hiccup with Burleigh each week we keep building.”.

Six women on the Cutters’ roster have put pen to paper on new NRLW contracts, and three of them will be joining the North Queensland Cowboys and their inaugural women’s side in the competition.

Emma Manzelmann, Jasmine Peters, and Tallulah Tillett have all been officially announced in the team, with Manzelmann and Peters now shining lights for the pathways available in Mackay and across the region.

Having gone through every team and step in the Mackay Pathways program, head coach and father of Jasmine, Marco Peters, couldn’t be prouder of what this means both for the community and young women in sport.

“It’s really amazing,” Peters said.

“They really are the product of North Queensland which is really exciting for them but also exciting for those who have been involved in the pathways programs.”

Joining the trio are the signatures of Shannon mato and Laikha Clarke, who will play for the Gold Coast Titans, and Romy Teitzel, who signed with the Brisbane Broncos.

Although spread across Queensland, Peters is incredibly proud of those forging their own paths across the NRLW as the game continues to move at a rapid pace.

“It shows that we have the right structures up here but also the talent,” Peters said.

“The more that we get our girls exposed to the NRLW the better for the region.”

With more signings still being announced, keep a close eye on the Cutters as fresh signees into the 2023 NRLW season, further showcasing the skill and talent on display for this side.

Essay Banu smashes through to put the Cutters just ahead of Capras in the BMD women's game. Picture: Marty Strecker

Moving into this week, Peters remains focused on a one-week-at-a-time mentality, and if the side can get across the line, they will put themselves in the best position to secure a home final with one week to go.

The Cutters are facing off against the Norths, and part of this Devils side is none other than Broncos, Queensland and Australia Jillaroos star Ali Brigginshaw.

Brigginshaw is a drawcard player, but Peters is adamant that the focus will remain on the Cutters’ strengths as opposed to trying to mitigate the influence of the five-eighth superstar.

“We have a great game ahead of us against the Norths Devils,” Peters Said.

“We’ll focus on our strengths and what we do best and come together as a team.”

The Cutters currently sit second on the BMD table, and with only two games remaining in the regular season, they look poised for their first finals push as a Mackay outfit.